HC Deb 29 April 1952 vol 499 cc1220-1
32. Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will inquire into a decision by the Lanarkshire County Council to charge rents for damp and ill-heated temporary huts at Burnwood Camp, Carluke, which approximate to rents charged by the county council for permanent county council houses in the same town.

Commander Galbraith

In fixing these rents the county council had regard primarily to rents charged for temporary houses in the county. The matter is one within their discretion, and my right hon. Friend has no power to interfere.

Mr. Maitland

Will my hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind that one of his predecessors nobly intervened in this matter to good effect, and, furthermore, that the rents charged are 11s. 10d. a week as against 12s. 1d. locally for permanent accommodation? Will he have another look at the matter?

Commander Galbraith

As I have already stated, that is quite outside the scope of my right hon. Friend's powers.