Housing

HC Deb 01 February 1944 vol 396 cc1117-8

26. Mr. McNeil

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any of the last allocation of houses have been completed.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)

The actual work of construction of last year's special allocation did not begin until the late summer, and no group of houses, I am informed, has yet been completed.

27. Mr. McNeil

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the number of rooms requisitioned in Greenock by the Services; and whether he will make representations to have released for housing purposes those requisitioned by the Services but used otherwise than as dwelling-rooms.

Mr. Johnston

I have obtained from the town clerk of Greenock a list of private dwelling-houses requisitioned by the Service Departments, and I have written to the Departments concerned asking them whether any of these can be released for housing purposes.

Mr. McNeil

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that figures have already been given, and will he direct action to be taken upon those figures?

Mr. Johnston

That is what I am doing now.

Mr. Buchanan

Will my right hon. Friend make some inquiries in the City of Glasgow to see whether Service Departments which have taken rooms over are really utilising them?

Mr. Johnston

If my hon. Friend can give me any instances of where it is not being done I will certainly take action.

28. Mr. McNeil

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when and where the first tribunals to assess fair rents for furnished sub-let tenancies will sit.

Mr. Johnston

The Glasgow tribunal has already been set up. I understand that over 100 cases have been referred to it, regarding which it is in communication with the lessors and lessees in accordance with the regulations under the Statute. Sittings of the tribunal for oral hearings will be arranged as necessary, and due intimation given to the parties affected. So far 113 other local authorities have represented that the recent Act should be applied to their areas. It is proposed to cover these areas by 25 tribunals, and selection of and invitations to individuals to become members of these tribunals is being proceeded with.

Mr. McNeil

Is there any area in which the local authority have asked for a tribunal and been refused?

Mr. Johnston

No, Sir.