§ 19. Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made to obviate or cure the condensation which affects many aluminium houses in Ayr and elsewhere in Scotland.
The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Commander T. D. Galbraith)Remedial measures authorised this year have so far been carried out on about 50 houses in Ayr and work on the remaining 110 houses there is expected to be completed in about six months. The efficacy of these measures and of certain alternative methods being tried elsewhere cannot be fully determined until experience has been gained of them under winter conditions.
§ Sir T. MooreWhile admitting that the Department have done their very best to cope with this unfortunate situation, may I ask if my right hon. and gallant Friend 2600 does not recall that many families have had their furniture, bedding and clothing ruined through dampness? Therefore, will he give some consideration to the question of compensation?
Commander GalbraithMy hon. Friend knows that the Missive of Let is entered into between the local authority and the occupier. It is not a matter for the Crown.
§ Sir T. MooreBut these houses were manufactured by the Scottish Special Housing Association, which is the baby of the Government. Surely the Government must accept some responsibility for the failure of this Association to manufacture and erect proper houses?