Prefabricated Aluminium Houses

Oral Answers to Questions — Housing, Scotland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 1 July 1952.

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Photo of Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore , Ayr 12:00, 1 July 1952

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up an inquiry into the present condition of prefabricated aluminium houses with a view to ascertaining how the dampness has arisen, and what steps should be taken to rectify it.

Photo of Mr James Stuart Mr James Stuart , Moray and Nairnshire

An inquiry has already been made by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and I am sending to the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the circular issued to local authorities telling them of the remedial measures recommended.

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore , Ayr

I know about that, but is my right hon. Friend not aware that about 25 per cent. of these houses have proved unsuitable to the rigours of our Scottish climate; that apparently no device has yet been found to cure that and make them windproof and rainproof: and that despite what my right hon. Friend suggests, I do not believe he has really got the answer yet?

Photo of Mr Arthur Woodburn Mr Arthur Woodburn , Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire

Is the Secretary of State aware that his hon. and gallant Friend's supplementary question refers to a few houses in Ayr; that there are tens of thousands of these houses throughout the country which are giving satisfaction to their tenants; and that it is purely a technical matter to put these few houses right? The hon. and gallant Gentleman ought not to slander a very fine house by that general question.

Photo of Mr James Stuart Mr James Stuart , Moray and Nairnshire

Out of 12,000 houses, 1,500 are being treated. A report will be furnished as to the effect on these. It is very much to be regretted that this condensation does take place, but I trust that this treatment will cure the difficulty.

Photo of Mr Archibald Manuel Mr Archibald Manuel , Central Ayrshire

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to set up a committee of inquiry into the dilapidation and dampness of half a million homes in Scotland that have had no repairs carried out on them for the past 20 years?

Photo of Mr James Stuart Mr James Stuart , Moray and Nairnshire

That is rather a different question.