§ 2. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from the Scottish Special Housing Association and local authorities on the problem of condensation in new houses; and what replies he has sent.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Dr. J. Dickson Mabon)None, but from time to time local authorities or the S.S.H.A. ask for help with particular cases of condensation and are given technical advice by my Department or by the Building Research Station.
§ Mr. DalyellAs condensation, and related mildew, often leads to most depressing and terrible human problems, sometimes even going as far as contributing to the break-up of a home and marriage, could not the Government take some initiative to get together the firms, such as I.C.I., which now think that they have some answer to these problems?
§ Dr. MabonI congratulate my hon. Friend on his persistence in this matter. We have issued leaflets, we have encouraged some local authorities to run film shows—as a matter of fact the film is being shown elsewhere in this Palace today—and we are anxious to try to get this matter over to people. I shall look into the point raised by my hon. Friend.
Mr. Edward M. TaylorIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many families are living in misery because of the problems of condensation in new homes, and also because of rain penetrating through inadequate window frames? Will the Minister take further steps to hold a special inquiry to see whether some local authorities can help others?
§ Dr. MabonI do not think that there is much need for a further special inquiry. The Minister of Public Building and Works has looked into this quite thoroughly, and the reports on it are clear. There are certain basic causes, some of which could be remedied by the tenants. Some defects are due to bad building, at which my hon. Friend hinted. 382 Other defects can be remedied only by public awareness of what to do.
§ Sir M. GalpernIs my hon. Friend satisfied that there is a remedy for this defect in some of the houses'? Is he aware that in my constituency a whole scheme of not very old construction has had to be demolished because those concerned are unable to cope with this problem of condensation? Can my hon. Friend assure us that research is being done into this problem?
§ Dr. MabonYes. I can assure my hon. Friend that the Building Research Station, which has done a great deal of development work, is willing to look into special problems such as my hon. Friend has mentioned, if it is so requested.