HC Deb 08 November 1955 vol 545 cc1640-1
10 and 16. Mr. Timmons

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he will introduce legislation to prevent the sale of dilapidated houses in tenement and slum properties;

(2) whether he is aware that young married couples in Scotland, on the local authorities' housing lists, are buying houses below the statutory standard for human occupation; and whether he will take powers to issue a general closing order as regards all such premises.

Mr. J. Stuart

The Government have given their reasons on several occasions why they are not prepared to control either the sale or the selling price of houses. I have no reason to suppose that the powers which local authorities already possess for dealing with unfit houses are inadequate and I am sure local authorities will readily give advice to any prospective purchaser.

Mr. Timmons

Is the Minister aware that only four weeks ago, through my intervention, I saved a young couple and four kiddies from going out into the street? Is he aware that a number of malpractices are going on right through the West of Scotland, playing on the gullibility of young couples in their desperate need for a house? Is he aware that I could enumerate scores of cases from my own constituency in which these malpractices are carried on? Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the whole matter and try to assist local authorities, which at the moment do not seem to have the power which he has suggested?

Mr. Stuart

On 25th October, in reply to the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. Hamilton), I said that I had asked local authorities to give publicity to slum clearance proposals approved under the Act. I am satisfied from inquiries that I have made that local authorities readily give advice to prospective purchasers who are in any doubt.

Mr. Steele

Is the Minister aware that if he looks at the file he will discover that I introduced a Bill for the purpose of preventing this type of sale of tenement buildings? I am certain that the Bill would meet the needs of Scotland at the moment. Is the Minister aware that I can give him an assurance that my hon. and right hon. Friends would make all facilities available to ensure that the Bill had a speedy passage through the House?

Mr. Stuart

I remember the Bill well. I would not repeat at this stage the arguments which were used in giving our reasons for not proceeding with it, but I think that those hold today.