HC Deb 25 November 1952 vol 508 c243
26. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses in Scotland are annually becoming fit for condemnation for lack of repair.

Commander Galbraith

The information asked for could be obtained only by means of a house to house survey and I should not feel justified in asking local authorities to undertake so heavy a task at the present time. My right hon. Friend is, however, aware of the problem and is considering what measures might be taken to deal with it.

Mr. Grimond

While I appreciate the difficulty of finding out the figures, might I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman whether he agrees that this is a most serious matter, because a great number of houses are falling out of repair? Does not it warrant an inquiry to find out the true facts to see if any steps can be taken to stop the trend?

Mr. McInnes

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman said in reply to a Question last week that he was unable to indicate the extent of the housing problem in Scotland, and as this week he is unable to give any indication of the extent of disrepair, is it not time that action was taken to acquaint hon. Members as to the extent of this problem in Scotland?