18. Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is likely 2079 that housebuilding will be resumed at Earlston, Berwickshire, to house the 200 families at present requiring accommodation in that area.
Mr. McNeilFurther housing at Earlston depends on the progress of the Earnscleugh water scheme which, under present circumstances, is expected to begin in 1952.
§ 21. Mr. Snaddenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if compensation is to be paid to tenants of Cruden houses in respect of inconvenience caused and damage to furniture resulting from the fire-proofing of these houses.
Mr. McNeilI cannot usefully add anything to the reply given on 23rd May to the hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. N. Macpherson).
§ Mr. SnaddenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, at any rate in my constituency, people had a complete invasion of workmen lasting over a week? When furniture is damaged is it not the responsibility of his Department to make some compensatory payment?
Mr. McNeilMy Department made the most careful investigations and issued a circular giving the scheme of work which, I think, ought to have prevented any unlooked for damage. It may not be the responsibility of the Department; it may be the responsibility of a contractor.