§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to introduce legislation in Scotland(a) to facilitate the improvement of the physical condition of tied housing, (b) to clarify farmers' repossession of tied housing and to prevent avoidance of using legal action to remove tenants in tied houses and (c) to improve local authorities' ability to meet the housing requirements of farm and estate workers who previously lived in tied housing; and what representations and discussions he has had in regard to these matters.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 16 February 1993]: Improvement of the condition of tied houses is the responsibility of the owner in each case, and grant may be available. The owner can obtain possession of the tied house only by recourse to a court order when a tenancy under an employment contract is ended. If a tied tenant is evicted, he can apply to his housing authority, which in assessing the household's needs would take account of the code of guidance on homelessness issued in April 1991 by the Scottish Office.
I have received very few representations on this matter apart from those of the hon. Member.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations and discussions he has had with regard to introducing legislation in Scotland to grant security of tenure to estate and farm workers living in tied houses; what plans he has to introduce such legislation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 16 February 1993]: I have received very few representations. Housing provision in these cases is linked to the individual employment contract and any security of tenure would have to be included in such contracts by agreement between the employer and employee. I have no plans to amend existing legislation.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to publicise the alternative housing options open to those estate and farm workers living in tied housing when they retire or are made redundant.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 16 February 1993]: Exploration of the available housing options is a matter for the individuals concerned. If necessary, they can seek advice from the local housing authority.