§ 12. Mr. Tom McMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now satisfied that the damaged roofs in Glasgow from the January 1968 gale 385 will be wind and watertight in a permanent or semi-permanent fashion by 30th September, 1969; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. MabonOf the 29,000 roofs which were damaged, 27,400 have had full repairs or repairs fully adequate for the winter. The remaining 1,600, all tenements, which so far have had only temporary repair, are being fully maintained by mobile repair squads under the control of the corporation. Some of the 1,600 are scheduled for early demolition; the corporation should be able to ensure that the rest have fully adequate repairs quite soon.
§ Mr. McMillanI thank my hon. Friend for his excellent answer. Will he agree that after last Thursday's storm and the small number of complaints received, the work repair force in Glasgow has earned the gratitude of the people of Scotland?
§ Dr. MabonI am much obliged to my hon. Friend. I certainly endorse what he said about the men who worked so hard on this.
§ Mr. GalbraithWhat grounds can the Minister give us for believing that his forecast on this occasion will be accurate?
§ Dr. MabonIt depends upon the nature of the roofs that remain. The general state of dilapidation of these roofs is something which has to be seen to be believed. The hon. Gentleman should see it for himself.