HC Deb 25 March 1952 vol 498 cc194-5
29. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how far local authorities have power under his Regulations to acquire existing houses which may be vacant; and if they may so acquire without the obligation to modernise such houses.

Commander Galbraith

Yes; the power is contained in Section 62 in the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1950.

Mr. James McInnes

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the process of acquisition involves bringing in an official arbiter? How long will it take to give effect to his decision? Is the general average 10 or 12 months?

Commander Galbraith

That is another question.

Mrs. Mann

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it well worth while a local authority acquiring these houses? Would he encourage local authorities to acquire them, whether they have to wait on the arbiter or not?

Commander Galbraith

That is a matter for the local authorities.

Mr. Wheatley

In view of the apparent reluctance of local authorities to take advantage of powers contained in the Housing Act to acquire these houses, will Her Majesty's Government give sympathetic consideration to a Private Member's Bill, standing in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Dunbartonshire, West (Mr. Steele)?

Commander Galbraith

No, Sir.