§ 21. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has refused permission to Lossiemouth Town Council to sell a house to a widow who has lived in it for more than 30 years.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonBecause there is still a substantial need in the burgh for local authority houses to let.
§ Mr. CampbellIs the Minister aware that the majority of the houses in this area have already been sold by the council, that this house could not be available to an applicant from the list without the present occupier being evicted and that the sale would provide a substantial contribution to the cost of a new house, thereby helping the housing programme?
§ Dr. MabonI am aware that 171 people are waiting for a house in the burgh. I am aware, too, that the lady in question, who has lived in the house for more than 30 years, has been given no assurance either that if she leaves the house or if she dies the tenancy will go to her daughter, who has two children to look after. That is entirely within the town council's discretion. I am sorry that the town council has sold all these houses when it could have encouraged the people to buy houses privately built and thus let others on the waiting list have houses in Lossiemouth.
§ Mr. CampbellWill the Minister look at this matter again? His decision can only be doctrinaire in view of the facts.
§ Dr. MabonIt is within the powers of the town council to give to the old lady an assurance that would comfort her in her present predicament. It is also within the competence of the town council to help to encourage those in council houses who can afford it to buy houses in the area and to let the 171 people who are waiting for a house get one.
§ Mr. CampbellIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply to the Question, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.