§ 42. Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to reduce or remove the condensation and consequent dampness in many aluminium houses.
Commander GalbraithMy right hon. Friend recently obtained a report on the results of the remedial experiments already carried out and is considering, in the light of this report, what further steps may be taken in any area where serious condensation persists. In the case of Ayr Burgh, he has already agreed exceptionally to the provisions of thermal insulation at the cost of the Exchequer.
§ Sir T. MooreIs it not a fact that, initially, many of these houses were of such poor design and construction that really nothing can be done to them now except to pull them down?
Mr. WoodbumIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the remedy for this is perfectly well known to the companies in Scotland and England who manufacture the houses and that this was the result of a well-meant, but unfortunately false, economy?
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that experiments carried out with houses which are still occupied have considerably improved conditions for the tenants, and will he extend these arrangements as soon as possible?
§ Mr. SteeleCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us how many of all the houses built have been reported 1032 to the Scottish Office as being affected by dampness? Is he aware that this has been going on for a considerable time and that I had a report from the Scottish Office more than 18 months ago saying that something was going to be done about it? Will he ensure that the Scottish Office moves more rapidly?
Commander GalbraithA very great deal has been done about this already, as the hon. Gentleman knows. I regret I cannot give the detailed figures for which he asks, but the number of houses affected to a greater or lesser degree is some 6,000 out of a total of about 30,000.