§ 22. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will now use his powers under Section 48 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1950, to direct Caithness County Council to prepare and submit to him forthwith proposals for the rehousing of Mr. William Calder, of Castletown, a disabled ex-Service man of the First World War, who is living in a house without water, lighting or sanitation.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John Maclay)I have no power to issue directions about an individual case. The county council's progress in rehousing families from unfit houses generally is not such as to call for my intervention.
§ Sir D. RobertsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this applicant has spent all his life, except the years he spent in the Army in the First World War, in agriculture? He is a farm worker, and he is now 70 years of age. Surely there must be something radically wrong? I have been trying for over two years to get this man a house, but with 1344 out success. I hope that the Secretary of State can intervene.
§ Mr. MaclayI am afraid I am advised that it would be quite outwith my power to intervene in an individual case of this kind, but doubtless the hon. Member's remarks will be noted by the local authority.