HC Deb 08 November 1955 vol 545 cc1641-2
26. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to make a statement on the working of the Housing (Rent and Repairs) (Scotland) Act in the city of Dundee.

Mr. J. Stuart

The Corporation's proposals under Section 1 of the Act show that 23,700 houses in the city are unfit. Of this number it is considered that 8,700 houses can be rendered fit by the carrying out of work either by the owners or the Corporation. I have approved the Corporation's proposal to demolish and replace 2,270 houses during the next three years.

At 30th June, 1955, the Corporation had granted 30 applications for certificates of disrepair and refused six, while four applications were under consideration or had been withdrawn. Four certificates were revoked after the landlords had done the necessary work. According to the current valuation roll, repairs increases are payable under Part II of the Act in respect of 452 houses in the city.

Mr. Thomson

In view of the figures given by the right hon. Gentleman, showing that the major part of this operation is to be done by the Corporation and that only a small number of houses have been improved by the private landlords, would he not now admit that there is no means of maintaining older rented property in proper condition by private landlords? Would he not now scrap his idea of the abolition of the Rent Restrictions Acts and adopt the policy of the municipal ownership of rented property?

Mr. Stuart

I cannot agree that we think that municipal ownership is the solution to the problem. I hope that the Act will be made more use of in the coming months.

27. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will initiate a Departmental investigation of the working of the Housing (Rent and Repairs) (Scotland) Act, 1954, in respect of housing associations, with a view to ascertaining whether amending legislation is necessary.

Mr. J. Stuart

Certain representations were made to my hon. Friend, the Joint Under-Secretary, at the end of September. These are being investigated and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Thomson

If I were to send to the Secretary of State further information that has come to hand on this very anxious problem in Dundee, would he give it consideration before it is answered?

Mr. Stuart

Yes, certainly, Sir. I would be very glad to receive it.