§ 5. Mr. Andrew Welsh (Angus)How many responses he has received to his consultation document in relation to land reform in Scotland. [41254]
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Donald Dewar)So far, more than 300 written replies have been received from individuals and organisations right across the country.
§ Mr. WelshHas the Secretary of State read the Shelter report on land reform and the housing crisis in rural Scotland? Does he agree that current forms of land ownership block access to and provision of badly needed housing in Scotland's rural areas? What steps is he taking to make available land and homes for Scotland's rural communities?
§ Mr. DewarI accept that there is a problem and I am aware of the points that have been fairly put by Shelter. As the hon. Gentleman knows, a review is going on and a land reform working party is in place and operating. We want the problem to be one of the aspects of the review that is taken on board. I accept that there is work to be done.