A Christmas Grinch is stalking the land claimed Sen. Leonard Santucci as he cited housing gripes across the Island.

Referring to the squatters who occupied a Wedco property this week he said there was a crisis on the western end of the Island. "There is disquiet when we see evidence of families being displaced or threatened with eviction."

He took issue with Wedco saying that once its property was destroyed the lease was nullified and their responsibilities ended.

Government was approaching things in the wrong way said the Senator. "It isn't what you do it's the way that you do it."

Meanwhile in Devonshire residents were complaining about Government plans to add buildings to their already dense neighbourhood while residents faced eviction in St. George's to allow the apartments to be sold.

Sen. Santucci wondered whether tenants would be given help to buy those apartments.

Sen. Reginald Burrows (PLP) said nobody wanted low cost housing in their backyard but the site in Devonshire was zoned to take many more houses.

Opposition Senate Leader Sen. Kim Swan said Government had already told the tenants the houses were to be sold to the middle classes "because the views are too good for you".

"This doesn't smack of a Government that cares."

He said it showed an elitist attitude and said Government needed to do more for the 30 percent of the population which was poor or near poor.

Sen. Walter Roban (PLP) said he was amazed to see the UBP championing the working classes.

He pointed out the squatters in the West End had always been offered alternative abodes when their homes were damaged by Fabian and had eventually accepted the offer.

Sen. Roban said Government had been aggressively tackling Bermuda's housing problems, not just by building, but also by bringing derelict property back on line and by working with landlords to get their property rented out.

Also speaking during the motion to adjourn Sen. Kenny Bascome (UBP) urged those caught committing crimes to be put into compulsory apprenticeships as a first option before sending them to jail.

He said so many young men could illegally strip a motorbike but Bermuda's workshops were staffed with many expatriates.

Government Senate Leader Michael Scott said he would take the idea under advisement.

Earlier in the session Senators passed the Statutory Instruments Amendment Act 2003 which will allow, at the Premier's discretion, bodies such as churches passing bills the right not to be obliged to have them published in the newspaper, or Official Gazette.