§ 22. Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy in regard to the provision of houses for fishermen; and if they will have any priority, as compared with other housing requirements.
§ Mr. T. FraserAs explained in a recent letter to the hon. and gallant Member, my right hon. Friend is ready to consider the special circumstances of particular fishing areas where housing difficulties are hampering recruitment to the industry from other areas. Twenty additional houses have just been allocated to Ayr County Council for this special purpose.
§ Sir T. MooreThe hon. Member will appreciate that there is great disquiet among the fishing population as to whether they are not being overlooked or left behind in this scramble for the houses that do not exist. Will he therefore do something to try to ease the concern which is at present disturbing them?
§ Mr. FraserI understood that the scramble is for the houses that do exist. The selection of tenants for houses is a matter for the local authorities concerned. We are concerned only to allocate additional houses where there is to be an increase in the population.