HC Deb 15 May 1956 vol 552 c1816
8. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will require from the local authorities concerned a report under Section 175 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1950, in view of the large number of applicants on the waiting lists for houses at Wick and Thurso, and in view of the number of homes unfit for human habitation in the landward areas.

Mr. J. Stuart

The three local authorities concerned have made good housing progress since the war and I have approved their proposals for the next three years as contained in reports recently submitted under Section 1 of the Housing (Repairs and Rents) (Scotland) Act, 1954. I do not consider, therefore, that any further reports are necessary in the meantime.

Sir D. Robertson

Does the Secretary of State realise that there are 500 families on the housing list in the small Burgh of Wick and 260 families on the housing list in the small Burgh of Thurso and that 40 per cent. of the houses in rural Caithness have been condemned as unfit for human habitation? Is not finance the real trouble?

Mr. Stuart

It is also a question of materials and building operatives. Good progress is continuing, however. This is not an area of great density of population, and I know of no reason to cause me to take action not deemed to be necessary elsewhere.