§ 13. Mr James Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he accepts the recommendations of the Housing Advisory Committee in regard to satisfactory standards for existing dwell 1480 ings; and when will legislation be forthcoming to apply such standards uniformly to all local authorities in Scotland.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonThe local authority associations and other interested bodies are being consulted about these important recommendations. When my right hon. Friend knows their views, he will be better able to make decisions.
§ Mr. DavidsonWould the Minister of State agree that what is badly needed is a much clearer definition of slum conditions so that we can appreciate the size of the problem, and that much greater flexibility is needed in applying building regulations to meet special cases?
§ Dr. MabonI do not know about the last point, but certainly in regard to legislation which may arise from the recommendations of the Advisory Committee this matter is extremely complex. We have had representations from the County Councils Association and the Convention of Royal Burghs. My noble Friend the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary has met housing convenors and has had detailed talks with Glasgow Corporation, and officials of the Department have met the Federation of Property Owners and Factors to discuss the matter further. This is quite difficult but we are determined to have the information by October.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIs my hon. Friend aware that the intended beneficiaries of these recommendations have been waiting for a considerable time for their implementation? Will he issue a list of local authorities to whom this is to be applied, stating when?
§ Dr. MabonThe intention is to apply this to the whole of Scotland. We have sent a copy of the Report, which was printed and made available only in February, to every local authority and we have asked them to comment in detail on the recommendations so that we may have this work done by October.