Tenants, Renfrewshire (Notices to Quit)

HC Deb 24 June 1958 vol 590 cc230-1

33. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from Renfrewshire tenants regarding evictions under the Rent Act; and from which areas within Renfrewshire.

Mr. Maclay

I have received representations about notices to quit under the Rent Act from seven tenants in my constituency and from one in Paisley.

Mrs. Mann

Are any of these tenants in the Gourock area?

Mr. Maclay

I do not know whether I should have included Questions in the House from the hon. Lady as one of my constituents in Gourock. I regret that I omitted to do so. Of those to which I referred, five were in Gourock.

Mrs. Mann

Is not the right hon. Member aware that he is not likely to have any representations from me because I own my own house? Thirty-five of his constituents in Ashton Gardens are threatened with eviction. Can he tell us what he intends to do about it? Will he now admit that there are hardships under the Rent Act?

Mr. Maclay

It is still too early to tell whether any notice to quit will result in eviction. I have never disguised the fact that there might be some individual cases of hardship, but I do not believe that it is widespread, and I think that the hon. Lady must agree with that.