Mr. WATSONasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that on men being discharged from Rosyth dockyard and continuing to reside in the houses at the garden city the rents of these houses are increased; that on re-entry into the yard the rents are not reduced to their former level; if his Department has yet completed the promised inquiries into this matter; and if he is now prepared to recommend that in such cases the rents shall be reduced?
§ Mr. HODGESAs promised in the reply of the 18th January, I have had inquiries made into the matter, and I hope to make an announcement shortly.
Mr. WATSONasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that it is the custom of the Scottish National Housing Company at Rosyth garden city to charge increased rent from men who 2155W have been discharged from the dockyard and are unemployed; and, seeing that this is in violation of an arrangement previously arrived at whereby no increase of rent would be charged until the men had found employment outside the dockyard, will he inquire into the matter?
§ Mr. HODGESI have had inquiries made and I am advised that it is not the custom of the Scottish National Housing Company to charge increased rents to men living in the Rosyth garden city who have been discharged from the dockyard and have failed to obtain other employment. 35 discharged employés now resident in the garden city are paying increased rents consequent upon obtaining fresh employment. Of these two are again out of work, but my hon. Friend will realise that it is not practicable to adjust rents every time a man becomes unemployed or re-employed.