HC Deb 01 June 1954 vol 528 cc1058-9
11. Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of certain defective workmanship in houses in the new town of East Kilbride; that this has been the subject of representations by tenants' associations in the new town; and if he will make a statement.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Commander T. D. Galbraith)

I understand that representations have been made to the East Kilbride Development Corporation about defects in one particular type of non-traditional house at East Kilbride. The corporation has taken the matter up with the contractor concerned. Remedial measures are now in hand and will be completed as soon as possible.

Mr. Maitland

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that these complaints are made by the Murray and Westwood Residents' Association and were repeated as recently as mid-March without attention being given to them? Is he further aware that the tenants are afraid that extra burdens of maintenance will fall upon them in future, due to the defects of which they complain? Will he bear in mind that even the chairman of the development corporation has admitted what he calls a certain degree of clamminess in these houses in wintertime?

Commander Galbraith

The matter is receiving attention.

Mr. Manuel

Could the right hon. and gallant Gentleman indicate the extent of the cost of this remedial work and whether it will be carried out by the contractors, because of bad workmanship, or whether it will be an added on-cost of development to the East Kilbride Corporation?

Commander Galbraith

Measures are being taken under the contractual obligations of the contractor.