HC Deb 11 February 1958 vol 582 cc34-5W
94. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will sanction exceptional expenditure by local housing authorities to enable them to provide alternative homes in their own towns and villages for persons evicted under or as a result of the operation of the Rent Act, 1957.

Mr. Maclay

I am always prepared to consider specific housing proposals submitted to me by local authorities, but I have no reason to suppose that exceptional expenditure, such as the hon. and learned Member refers to, will be necessary.

96. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement indicating the number of houses, families and persons, indicating separately how many old-age pensioners, in Scotland he estimates will be affected by the decontrol provisions of the Rent Act during the next 12 months and 24 months, respectively; and what provision he or, through his Department, local authorities in Scotland will make for those who will be evicted.

Mr. Maclay

It is estimated that 60,000 houses in Scotland of rateable values over £40 were decontrolled under the Rent Act, 1957, as from 6th July, 1957, but I have no information about the number of families and persons, including old-age pensioners, affected by decontrol.

I have no reason to believe that a large number of tenants will be evicted but I have asked local authorities to do everything they can to assist people affected by the Act.

Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons who are liable for eviction under the Rent Act, 1957, in the Parliamentary constituency of Kelvingrove; and how many of these are likely to be rehoused by the authorities concerned before October, 1958.

Mr. Maclay

The tenant of a house decontrolled by the Rent Act, 1957, cannot be required to remove before October, 1958.

I have no information about the number of tenants who have received notices to quit under the Act and, in any event, service of a notice to quit does not necessarily mean that the landlord is unwilling to negotiate a renewal of the tenancy. It is open to any tenant who receives notice to approach his landlord and ask him on what terms the tenancy could be renewed.