Tenement Property

HC Deb 15 May 1956 vol 552 cc1814-6

6. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that occupiers of tenement houses are being threatened with dispossession; and if he will introduce legislation to prohibit the sale of tenement property or to safeguard the purchasers thereof.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am aware of the case which the hon. Member recently brought to my notice.

As regards the second part of the Question, the Government have explained on several occasions why they are not prepared to introduce legislation to prohibit or control the sale of tenement houses. Prospective purchasers who may not fully appreciate the obligations which they are undertaking would be well advised to seek guidance in the usual way.

Mr. Thomson

Is the Secretary of State aware that in the case of threatened eviction of which I have sent him details my constituent certainly took on obligations of which she was apparently ignorant? Is he aware that the solicitors acting for the landlord in that case have refused to give my constituent the legal agreement which formed part of the purchase? Is he aware that the only legal document she has is a two penny notebook provided by this firm of solicitors? Is he aware that the landlord, through his solicitors, has been bringing pressure to bear on both my constituent and myself to try to make us drop this matter? Would the right hon. Gentleman not take some positive steps in his Department to give guidance to tenement dwellers, who are not accustomed to house purchase, with regard to their rights and their obligations?

Mr. Stuart

I am, of course, very sympathetic about the case in respect of which the hon. Gentleman wrote to me. I have the letter here. I will write to him on the points which he has raised, but legislation can deal with matters of this nature only in very general terms, and there are. a very great variety of different circumstances which arise in these cases.

Mr. Steele

Will the right hon. Gentleman not agree that there is a Private Member's Bill in my name waiting on the stocks which would greatly assist in this matter? Is he aware that we are prepared to give him all facilities to pass it through the House?

Mr. Stuart

I think that the hon. Member is aware that that has been discussed.