§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he has considered the recommendation contained in the verdict of the jury which sat on the fatal accident inquiry at Dumbarton, on 18th October, 1937, into the deaths of 10 young male seasonal workers at Kirkintilloch, the recommendation being to the effect that all premises intended for the use of seasonal workers as sleeping accommodation should be inspected before use by an inspector of the local authority; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter;
(2) what are the names of the local authorities that have not made by-laws in terms of Sub-section (1) of Section 83 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1925, anent accommodation for seasonal workers in Scotland; what steps the Scottish Board of Health intend to take in order to require those local authorities to make such by-laws; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent catastrophes similar to that which occurred in Kirkintilloch on or about 16th September, 1937, resulting in the death of 10 young male seasonal workers?
§ Mr. ElliotThe following local authorities have not adopted by-laws under Section 83 (1) of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1925: 927W County Councils of Aberdeen, Banff, Berwick, Bute, Caithness, Clackmannan, Dumfries, Kincardine, Kinross, Moray, Nairn, Peebles, Ross and Cromarty, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Sutherland.
Town Councils: the only burghs in Scotland with by-laws under this provision are Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Ardrossan and Lerwick.
It will be realised that in many local authority areas seasonal workers have not been accommodated and by-laws have been unnecessary.
Since the disaster at Kirkintilloch, I have carefully considered the whole question of accommodation for seasonal workers and a detailed report of the Fatal Accidents Inquiry which was subsequently held. I am issuing immediately to all local authorities through the Department of Health a circular asking them to review the position in their areas with a view to taking appropriate action, whether by making by-laws or by revising existing by-laws with particular regard to the prevention of, and safety from, fire. The circular will also direct the local authorities' attention to the recommendation made by the jury at the Fatal Accidents Inquiry and ask the authorities to make adequate arrangements for inspection of premises both before and during occupation by seasonal workers.
The hon. and learned Member will see in the Bill dealing with rural housing in Scotland which will be in the hands of hon. Members to-morrow that it is proposed that local authorities in whose areas such by-laws are necessary should be under obligation to frame by-laws.