§ 1. Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that housing intended for miners and built by the Scottish Special Housing Association is often offered at rents beyond what some miners can afford, though they are simultaneously excluded from the county council housing list; and whether he will investigate this matter in Lanarkshire.
The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Commander T. D. Galbraith)I am not aware that the Association's rents, which in Lanarkshire are only some 2s. to 3s. 6d. a week more than those charged by the county council, are beyond what miners can in general afford. I am told that persons who refuse an Association house are not excluded from the council's housing list, although they may have to wait some time for a council house.
§ Mr.MaitlandWhile thanking my hon. and gallant Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that surface workers are frequently paid a very much lower wage than that common to miners in general, and that the cases I have in mind do relate to surface, workers?
§ Mr. A. WoodburnIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the distinction in rent is not the only distinction; that miners and other people occupying the Special Housing Association houses 1083 have the benefits of the Rent Restriction Acts which people in council houses do not have, and therefore there are advantages concerned with these houses?