§ 32. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state, to the nearest convenient date, the number of applications made to local authorities for disrepair certificates under the Housing Rents and Repairs (Scotland) Act, 1954; and how many have been granted.
Commander Galbraithmy right hon. Friend has asked local authorities for a return for the period up to 31st December, 1954, and hopes that the information will be available early in March.
§ Mr. HannanIs not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, in Aberdeen particularly, a very high proportion of these applications are already being granted? That being so, will he not at least agree that the probability is that the proportion of these figures is very high indeed? Does not that, therefore, prove the value of the case made out by the Opposition in the protracted proceedings on this Act that it would fail in its purpose? Is he further aware of the statement of the Secretary of the National Federation of Property Owners in Scotland, who forecast that the Act would fail? What action does the Minister propose to take?
Commander GalbraithI do not think that it would be right for me to presume anything until information is available.