HC Deb 12 November 1975 vol 899 cc1507-8
3. Mr. Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to advise local authorities on the treatment required to make wind and water-tight Weir steel houses which have deteriorated.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Hugh D. Brown)

My Department has written to the seven district councils which own houses of this type advising them on remedial measures and improvements.

Mr. Thompson

Will the hon. Gentleman accept my congratulations on providing a more positive answer to a Question than I have been receiving of late from the Scottish Office? Will he also accept the thanks of an elderly couple, over 80 years of age, who live at Kildrochat, near Stranraer, who for several years have had to put up with rain leaking in every time it rains, and it rains quite often in Galloway? Will he take steps to help the Wigtown District Council to carry out these repairs?

Mr. Brown

I know that houses usually leak only when it rains. It is so unusual to receive congratulations from the Scottish National Party that I am a bit taken aback. If the hon. Gentleman and his colleagues had asked the appropriate Questions in the past, they would have received just as helpful replies. I am never sure in which particular area they are playing at community politics.

There is a real problem here. We have written to all the district authorities. We can give them technical advice. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the SSHA, which owns the bulk of the Weir houses, has a programme going which could take care of all of them.

Mr. Monro

Will the Minister congratulate the SNP on returning to the House of Commons after being wind and water-tight and tucked up in bed last night and not involved in the debate? Does the hon. Gentleman accept that this is a serious problem for those who have lived in these houses for a long period? Steel houses are now becoming very expensive to heat, with the cost of electricity and other fuels, and any help he can give to district authorities will be warmly welcomed.

Mr. Brown

I meant to refer to the SNP not doing very well today despite having been in bed all night. It will be very expensive to make the houses conform to modern standards. Some inside improvements—in kitchens, toilets, and so on—will cost between £8,000 and £9,000. I should imagine that, subject to technical advice, improvement of the outer walls will help to reduce the need for expensive heating.