§ 41. Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish Special Housing Association houses are now standing empty at Douglas and Douglas, West, in the County of Lanark.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John Maclay)On 29th April there were thirty-seven Scottish Special Housing Association houses vacant at Douglas. The Association does not own any houses at Douglas, West.
§ Mr. Maitlandis my right hon. Friend aware that those figures have been outdated by events and that there are now about 70 houses of various kinds empty in this village, of which about 50 are subsidized? Further, is my right hon. Friend aware that this village is losing half of its industry and one-third of its population within a matter of months? Will he take energetic steps to help to avert the consequential ruin which threatens a wide area of Lanarkshire?
§ Mr. MaclayAs my hon. Friend knows, we are very much aware of the problem in Douglas. I should inform him that I agreed that the Association should approach the Board of Trade in case any of the Scottish Special Housing Association houses can be used for key workers in industry, and that, if necessary, it should advertise the houses to let.