HC Deb 20 December 1938 vol 342 cc2687-8W
Mr. Buchanan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the name of the chairman of the Housing Association and also the names of the members of that body?

Mr. Colville

I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Mr. Buchanan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that in certain parts of Glasgow large tenement houses are being occupied by several families; that in certain cases houses of six apartments are occupied by as many as five families; that rents are charged as high as 14s. for a room weekly; and whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with this matter?

Mr. Colville

I am aware of the very unsatisfactory conditions which prevail in certain tenement houses. The corporation have certain powers to deal with the matter under a local Act passed last year and I understand that a number of cases where the requirements of the Act have not been complied with have been brought to the notice of the Dean of Guild Court. The position is a result of the shortage of houses in Glasgow which is engaging the active attention of the corporation.

Mr. Stephen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the number of houses unfit for habitation in the Dennistoun, Whitevale and Mile End wards, respectively, of Camlachie Parliamentary division of Glasgow?

Mr. Colville

The numbers of houses which are being dealt with under the Housing (Scotland) Acts as unfit for human habitation, or which are on the corporation's list as being in that condition, are, in the Dennistoun ward, 12; in the Whitevale ward, 140; and in the Mile End ward, 309.

Mr. Erskine Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many cases a grant has been applied for in Edinburgh for the reconditioning of houses of historical or architectural importance during the last three years; and in how many cases a grant has been allowed?

Mr. Colville

I presume that my hon. and learned Friend has in mind the payment of Exchequer grant for new houses in which a local authority may incorporate features of architectural, historic or artistic interest belonging to existing buildings on the site. No application for grant has yet been received from Edinburgh Corporation, but I understand that they have two such schemes in preparation.