§ Mr. Galbraithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet received the report of the recent inquiry about Coatbridge council rents.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellYes. The Reporter's conclusions are that the Town Council did not carry out the review required by Section 151(5) of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1956, prior to its decision on 17th September, 1970, to increase rents; that the Town Council's decision to reduce rents, which became effective on 18th March, 1971, was not preceded by a proper review nor was it a proper exercise of discretion; and that, accordingly, the Town Council failed to do what was required of them by the Act.
I have sent the report to the Town Council, telling them that I accept the conclusions and giving them an opportunity to reconsider their position within the next two months before I take formal action under the statutory provisions relating to default. I am also sending copies of the report to all Scottish local authorities. For the convenience of hon. Members, I have arranged to make copies available in the Vote Office.