§ Mr. Allan Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the National Coal Board, local authorities and other interested parties regarding the sale or transfer of houses in Scotland owned by the National Coal Board; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindI have been in touch with Kirkcaldy district council and representatives of tenants about houses owned by the National Coal Board at Denbeath, Fife, because of possible implications for the local authority arising from their disposal. In addition, I and my officials have had discussions from time to time with the NCB and Midlothian district council about the future ownership of houses owned by the National Coal Board at Newtongrange. Primary responsibility for the present condition of the houses and for deciding their future ownership rests, of course, with the National Coal Board.