§ 19. Mr. Timmonsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses listed for demolition in 1939 in Lanark County Council area; and how many of these houses are still occupied.
Commander GalbraithUp to 1939, demolition or closing orders had been made in respect of 6,097 houses in Lanark County. I have no information as to how many of these houses are still occupied.
§ Mr. TimmonsIs the Minister aware that more than 50 per cent. of these houses are still occupied and that the owners are still drawing rents? What are the possibilities of their continuing to draw rents after the new Measure goes through, with the increases of about 40 per cent.?
Commander GalbraithThe hon. Member is, no doubt, aware that this is a matter for the local authority; they are charged with carrying out the law. Accordingly, I have no further information on the subject.
§ Mr. TimmonsThe question of the projected increase of rents is a question for this House and for the Secretary of State. Is the Minister going to apply the increase to these houses—over 6,000 of them—which have been listed for demolition since 1939?
Commander GalbraithIf the hon. Member refers to the White Paper and to the Bill, which is now published, he will see that the increase in rent can be obtained only under certain specified conditions.