HC Deb 23 April 1975 vol 890 cc1470-1
14. Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many evictions from publicly owned houses have taken place in Scotland in each of the past three years.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

Housing authorities are not required to provide me with information on evictions. An ad hoc survey, to which most authorities responded. indicated that in 1972 there were about 2,200 evictions by local authorities. The Scottish Special Housing Association evicted 53 tenants in 1972; 41 in 1973: and 39 in 1974.

Mr. Canavan

Will my hon. Friend urge the new local authorities and the SSHA to implement the recommendations of the Morris Report that social work departments should be consulted at an early stage when evictions are being considered, and that if, unfortunately, eviction has to take place as a last resort alternative accommodation must be found for the evicted family? Will my hon. Friend instil a sense of urgency into this matter, in view of the fact that in a few weeks' time housing and social work will be split between the new districts and new regions, respectively?

Mr. Brown

As my hon. Friend says, there are many good and sound recommendations in the Morris Report, and already it is being studied by all the interested parties. I give my hon. Friend the assurance that if, in the light of discussions, any further guidance is needed by local authorities, I shall not hesitate to give it.

My hon. Friend made the point, and it is worth emphasising, that although the Morris Committee is in favour of a reduction in the number of evictions it does not recommend that this should not be part of the powers of a housing authority.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many of these 2,200 were families on long-term benefit? Is he aware of the growing belief in social work departments that if we could have direct payment of rent by these long-term welfare benefit recipients, many of these evictions could be avoided? Will he consider the direct payment of rent as of right?

Mr. Brown

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have already taken steps to improve the procedure.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

indicated dissent.

Mr. Brown

I wish that the hon. Gentleman would not shake his head. He is well aware that, in co-operation with the Department of Health and Social Security and local authorities, steps have been taken to improve things. There is now an improved procedure, and this has already resulted in an increase in the number of direct payments.