§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust) Ltd. first built houses at Craigiebank, Dundee; what was the capital cost then; and if he will give an estimate of the aggregate amount received in rent since that time.
§ Mr. MaclayThe company's scheme of 300 houses at Craigiebank, Dundee, was built during 1927 and 1928 at an inclusive capital cost of about £150,000. Since that time the aggregate amount received in rent has been about £250,000. The company's income from rent has not been sufficient year by year to cover the outgoings on loan charges and maintenance and management costs.
§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what conversations the Second Scottish National 172W Housing Company (Housing Trust) Ltd. had with their tenants in Dundee before announcing their proposed rent increases.
§ Mr. MaclayThere were no prior conversations with the tenants of the Company's 300 houses in Dundee. Letters were sent to the tenants, however, on 3rd April, explaining that it was proposed to increase the rents of their houses with effect from 28th May.
§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the percentage increase in rents being proposed by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust) Ltd., in respect of their houses in Dundee.
§ Mr. MaclayThe average weekly increase of 5s. 9d. (without allowing for rebates) represents a 44 per cent. increase.
§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, before approving any rent increases for houses belonging to the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust) Ltd., he will consult the Dundee Corporation in order to achieve uniformity with local authority houses.
§ Mr. MaclayThe Housing Company's decision to increase the rents of their houses in Dundee already has my approval. Prior to this increase the rents of the houses were not uniform with those of Dundee Corporation (which are considerably lower) and it did not seem to me to be useful to consult with the Corporation who do not in any event nominate tenants to these houses.