HC Deb 12 March 1940 vol 358 cc986-7
26. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now ascertained what arrears of rent have already accrued in housing schemes municipally-owned in Greenock owing to the allowances to wives of tenants in the armed Forces not covering rents; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)

I am informed that the town council of Greenock have a total rent roll of £110,000 per annum and that at 15th February arrears of rent amounted to approximately £2,400, of which about £150 only was due from men serving with the Forces. A proportion of this £150 was due before the men joined up. With regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. and learned Member by my hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General for Scotland on 26th February. I regret that in reply to a Supplementary Question on that occasion it was stated in error that the representations received from the town council of Greenock did not refer to arrears which have already accumulated. The representations do in fact refer to arrears which have accrued as well as to the likelihood of arrears accumulating in future.

Mr. Kennedy

Has the Minister considered the suggestion made by certain burghs that a rent allowance should be made to men serving?

Mr. Colville

I think that is a matter affecting the Service Departments.