HC Deb 15 December 1959 vol 615 cc1223-4
11. Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to make known to those likely to be interested in Scotland, the provisions of the House Purchase and Housing Act, 1959, regarding grants for the provision of standard amenities.

Mr. Galbraith

In addition to Press publicity, copies of a leaflet have been distributed, and a more detailed booklet with illustrative plans has been published. My right hon. Friend is anxious to see these grants taken up as widely as possible, and arrangements are being made for a number of practical demonstrations in the course of next year.

Mr. Millan

May I remind the Joint Under-Secretary of State that, in the first published figures for the quarter ending 30th September, only sixteen of these grants have been given in Scotland; and does not this demonstrate that the land lords of Scotland are not interested in this sort of thing? What does the hon. Gentleman propose to do about getting rid of private landlordism of tenement properties in Scotland?

Mr. Galbraith

I think it unnecessary for me to answer the last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.

Mr. Manuel

Can the hon. Gentleman answer it?

Mr. Galbraith

Regarding the first part of his supplementary question, the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the figures for grants in the September quarterly return, while disappointingly small, relate to a scheme which has been running only for a month or two and that it is still early to judge whether it will be a success.

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