HC Deb 10 November 1953 vol 520 cc768-9
23. Mrs. Cullen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take to stop the sale of single houses in tenement property.

56. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that 1,500 houses, privately owned and previously occupied by tenants have been lying unoccupied for many months in Glasgow awaiting offers to purchase at high prices; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that these houses are made available now for letting.

Mr. J. Stuart

I have no information about the precise number of unoccupied houses awaiting sale in Glasgow. While I am aware of the objections that have been raised to the sale of these houses, I do not consider that I would be justified in taking any such steps as are suggested by the hon. Members. I hope that the proposals in the White Paper on housing policy in Scotland will remove the existing difficulties which confront owners of rented houses—

Mr. Manuel

That has nothing to do with it.

Mr. Stuart

It certainly has if the houses can be put right. This, with the greater number of new houses being built to let, will increasingly meet the needs of the people who cannot afford to buy.

Mr. McInnes

On a point of order. Can you, Mr. Speaker, indicate to me how Questions Nos. 23 and 56 can be taken together since Question No. 56 bears no relation to Question No. 23 and has been withdrawn?

Mr. Stuart

If I may say so, I thought the hon. Member would prefer to have his question answered as I thought he might not get an answer if it awaited its turn.

Mrs. Cullen

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I intend to raise this matter at the first opportunity

Mr. McInnes

Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated to the Clerks my intention to withdraw Question No. 56 and put it forward next week, I take it I shall be allowed to do so?