HC Deb 28 March 1950 vol 473 cc175-6
39. Mr. McGovern

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many small tenement flats in Glasgow have been sold each year since July, 1945, to 1st March, 1950, respectively; how many have been requisitioned; and how many purchased by Glasgow Corporation under their powers.

Mr. McNeil

I regret that no information is available as to the number of flats sold in Glasgow during the periods stated. As the answer to the remainder of the Question involves a number of figures, I propose, with permission, to circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. McGovern

Is the Secretary of State aware that repeated promises were given in this House that the numbers of these flats which were being sold or advertised were being watched by the local authority and also by the Scottish Office, and can he say why they have both fallen down on the job? Also, is he in favour of taking powers to bring all such houses that become vacant under the jurisdiction of the Glasgow Corporation so that they may allocate tenants from their own waiting lists to these vacant properties?

Mr. McNeil

There are two points. First of all, notably due to the attentions of my hon. Friend, I too have tried to note this position, but that does not mean that complete figures are available. Secondly, as I have attempted to point out, there are certain powers available to local authorities.

The following is the information:

Period Number of small tenement houses*
Requisitioned in the period and retained at the end of the period Acquired by the Corporation
July, 1945-July, 1946 22 48
July, 1946-July, 1947 38 —
July, 1947-July, 1948 25 6
July, 1948-July, 1949 15 196
July, 1949-March, 1950 — 154
Total 100 404†
* Figures relate to houses of five rooms or less.
† Of these 404 houses, 169 have been demolished and 235 have been or will be repaired.