§ Mr. ADAMSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the sheriff at Dunfermline granting a decree of eviction against twelve tenants, all Admiralty workers, who have refused to pay rents which they consider excessive; and whether, in view of the fact that a large number of dock yard workers are affected by this decision, any steps are being taken or will be taken to endeavour to come to some arrangement in the matter under dispute?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer to the first part of my right hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. The rents in question have been very carefully considered by the Admiralty, who cannot agree that they are excessive. As regards the last part of the question, the steps suggested by my right hon. Friend have already been taken. The Civil Lord of the Admiralty met a deputation from the Rosyth Ratepayers' Association on 30th June at Rosyth, and discussed the matter with them at length. The dockyard representatives claimed a reduction of 50 per cent, in their rents, and the Civil Lord declined on the part of the Admiralty to make any contribution from public funds to the Housing Company to enable them to make such a reduction. The deputation was informed that the rents are not considered unreasonable, having regard to the accommodation provided.