§ 40. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will exercise his powers under Section 48 of the Housing (Scotland) Act to require an inspection in relation to overcrowding of that part of Halkirk to which his attention has been drawn by the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland; and if he will require that proposals regarding the rehousing of the 18 persons in the two-apartment house concerned shall be submitted by the local authority in accordance with subsection 2 of the Section.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneMy right hon. Friend would not feel justified in taking the action suggested, having regard to the good progress which Caithness County Council is making with its general housing programme.
§ Sir D. RobertsonUnder what conditions can 18 people be allowed to live in two small rooms in a house without water or sanitation? Is it really good enough for a Minister who is responsible to this House for housing to tolerate this situation for an indefinite time?
§ Mr. BrowneAs my hon. Friend knows, the matter of housing allocation is one for the local authority. My right hon. Friend is in touch with the council about the rehousing of these persons, and he will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIn view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory nature of the Answer and the state of housing in my constituency, I give notice that I shall raise this matter at the earliest possible moment.