§ 2. Mr. H. Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he is aware that several tenants of the 75 aluminium houses recently erected in Leven, Fifeshire, have lodged complaints to the effect that the houses are damp, causing wire mattresses to rust, hair and wool mattresses and blankets to become so wet that they have to be dried several times a day and furniture and curtains to become mouldy; that recent efforts to deal with these conditions have proved useless; why no representative of the Department of Health has visited the houses, in view of the danger to health of children and adults; and what steps he is now taking in the matter.
§ Mr. BuchananI have obtained a report on the condition of the houses on this site. It is the case that dampness has occurred in some of the houses, due partly to leakages but mainly to condensation. The Ministry of Supply have arranged for certain immediate repairs to be carried out and will keep the houses under observation to ascertain what further action is necessary. A special report which I have had from one of my medical officers affords no evidence that the condition of the houses has had any adverse effect on the health of the occupants. I have no reason to think that in general the aluminium house is not proving satisfactory. Such complaints as have been received in individual cases are being attended to as quickly as possible.