HC Deb 13 March 1956 vol 550 cc212-3
30. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will use his powers under Section 48 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1950, to direct the Burgh of Wick and Caithness County Council to prepare and submit to him forthwith proposals for the rehousing of the inhabitants of Hillhead Quarry, Caithness.

Mr. J. N. Browne

The Town Council of Wick, in whose area the quarry is situated, is making good progress with its housing programme, and my right hon. Friend would not feel justified in taking such action as my hon. Friend suggests. He is, however, in touch with the council about the rehousing of the families in question and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Sir D. Robertson

Is it not the case that there are six families living in huts 8 ft. by 4 ft., that four of the fathers are ex-Service men—one a Regular ex-Service man—and that a deputation which went there found them living in conditions of squalor and great distress! Will my hon. Friend not see his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and have succour brought to those families immediately?

Mr. Browne

My right hon. Friend has arranged for a general inspector to visit Wick as soon as possible and to report, and I think that my hon. Friend will wish to await that report.