§ 11. Sir William Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent guidance is issued by him to local authorities as to the methods they may adopt in allocating State-subsidised houses.
Mr. McNeilLocal authorities are responsible for the letting of their own houses. I have, however, drawn their attention to the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee's report on "Choosing Council Tenants," and from time to time I have asked local authorities to give special consideration in the public interest to the claims of certain groups such as miners, agricultural workers, key workers and tuberculous families.
§ Sir W. DarlingIs the form of guidance which the right hon. Gentleman has given merely to direct attention to certain published documents?
Mr. McNeilI have drawn their attention to a published document which is available also to the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWill the right hon. Gentleman issue some guidance to local authorities about the allocation of hats?
§ Mr. PrydeWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that local authorities in Scotland are very jealous of the central Government impinging on their duties?
Commander GalbraithWill the right hon. Gentleman impress on the local authorities the importance of facilitating the transfer of people from houses larger than they require to smaller houses?
Mr. McNeilI very much sympathise with that point. I know that the larger authorities do exert themselves in this direction.