HC Deb 04 December 1951 vol 494 cc2216-7
27. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the deterioration which extends in greater or lesser degree to 200,000 houses in the city of Glasgow; and what action he proposes to take to facilitate their repair.

Mr. Stuart

I am aware that there are large numbers of houses in Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland which are in need of repair or improvement. I am at present considering what can be done to facilitate the repair of these houses.

Mr. McInnes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that for the Government to stand idly by and allow such rapid deterioration to existing houses makes them not only guilty of a dereliction of duty, but, indeed, criminal? May I be told by the right hon. Gentleman what concrete proposals he has to make in the matter?

Mr. Stuart

I assure the hon. Gentleman that I agree with him about the importance of the problem, and I might mention that my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Pollok (Commander Galbraith) is to meet the Housing Convenor of the Glasgow Corporation on 9th January, when, no doubt, they will have the opportunity of discussing this problem, amongst others. As to standing idly by, I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we have only been in office for five weeks, but that I have not been standing idly by.