§ 4. Mr. Adam Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance is extended to local authorities carrying out major housing improvement schemes in their area in respect of minimising the inconvenience and discomfort for the sitting tenants.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Development, Scottish Office (Mr. George Younger)The desirability of close consultation with tenants is emphasised in our discussions with local authorities about house improvement.
§ Mr. HunterIs the Under-Secretary aware that as regards many local authority housing schemes there is a great deal of friction between the authority and the tenant and that many tenants who have carried out improvements of their own do not like a uniform or standard improvement scheme? I recognise and appreciate that local authorities muss carry out these improvements speedily, but cannot the Minister do anything to avoid the friction which arises between the two parties?
§ Mr. YoungerI greatly appreciate what the hon. Gentleman says. He is right in saying that this is a major problem in some improvement schemes. I will consider whether there is any further guidance which it would be helpful for me to give local authorities. In general this is a difficult problem which each local authority must be aware of and deal with in its own way. I will certainly give local authorities what help I can to enable them to he as understanding as they can.