§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received recently regarding the problem of dampness or condensation in Scottish houses; what funds he has allocated to assisting local authorities and individuals to meet these problems; and if he plans to initiate a national research programme on these matters.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownDuring the past 12 months we have had representations on dampness or condensation from several hon. Members, organisations and tenants. It was open to local authorities to include in their first housing plans proposals for capital works to deal with such problems. They may include such proposals in succeeding housing plans. For 1978–79 we would regard loan charges on such works as eligible for housing expenditure subsidy: after 1979–80 they would be eligible for the proposed housing support grant.
Successive research projects have been and are being commissioned by the Government with the National Building Agency, the Building Research Establishment and Strathclyde University.