§ Mr. BARRasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Chief Inspector of the Scottish Board of Health recently carried out an inquiry in regard to the housing conditions in Motherwell and Wishaw; that his Report deals with 989 houses or thereabouts, all without inside water supply; that of these he recommends that 420 be closed at once as not fit for human habitation and a further 114 if necessary repairs are not carried out; and what steps he proposes to take in view of the conditions revealed in the Report in regard to sanitation, water supply and housing?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe particulars contained in the hon. Member's question regarding housing conditions in Motherwell and Wishaw are as stated in the recent Report of the Chief Housing Inspector of the Scottish Board of Health. A copy of that Report was forwarded to the town council who are giving the matter their serious attention. The 989 houses referred to are embraced in 38 properties. The owners of 18 of these properties have been interviewed by the Housing Committee of the town council. In some cases the owners have signified their intention of carrying out repairs accordingly, and it has been remitted to the medical officer of health and the sanitary inspector to report as to what repairs are required and the estimated cost involved. Notices? of closing orders have been served on the owners of five additional properties, and in the case of a further two properties the owners have indicated that they will offer no resistance to whatever steps the town council suggest should be taken with regard to the closing of the houses.