over renovating derelict properties.

Opposition Sen. Kim Swan said housing had been a major issue during the last General Election campaign.

And he said: "Numerous people have come to me and said they know of 26 houses which should have been renovated, could have been renovated.'' Sen. Swan added: "Housing is still a major concern in this country.'' He said the relevant Minister in the last United Bermuda Party Government had been working "very diligently and delivering some initiatives''.

But he said people were now asking what was going to happen in the future, in addition to the programme to remodel empty shells.

But Government Sen. Calvin Smith said a group he was involved in was asked to come up with a list of derelict houses ripe for renovation in the 1970s -- which was done.

He added: "In 1997/98 they finally came up with a programme.'' And he claimed that the UBP insistence on letting the market find its own level was a major cause of housing problems on the Island.

Sen. Smith said: "We keep hearing about the market. There are people outside the market. But everybody needs a house, even if you can't afford it.'' He charged that UBP indifference to the decline in tourism had caused social problems and poverty due to the slump in the industry which employed most Bermudian labour.

Sen. Smith said: "We must make certain that Bermudians are working and earning enough to buy their house.'' And he warned that tourism did not exist in a bubble, but could be badly affected by widespread social breakdown on the Island.

Sen. Smith said it would only take a few unemployed youngsters tempted to resort to crime against tourists to make money to further damage the visitor industry.