69. Mr. Emrys Huģhesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is 399W aware that various houses owned by Messrs. Bairds and Dalmellington, Limited, coalowners, Linkieburn Square, Muirkirk, Ayrshire, and occupied by miners, have been certified as unfit for human habitation by the sanitary authorities; that these conditions are detrimental to the health of the miners who arc being urged to increase production; and if he will take steps to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. Buchanan:I am informed that 15 houses owned by the firm mentioned at Muirkirk have been certified by the local authority under the Rent Restrictions Acts as not in all respects fit for human habitation. I am in touch with the county council to see what remedial action is practicable pending the provision of new houses in the locality. The local authority have in preparation an immediate programme for the erection of 41 temporary and 68 permanent houses at Muirkirk.