houses, it was charged last Friday.

Mr. Nelson Bascome, PLP social services spokesman, accused the Bermuda Housing Corporation of charging needy people near-market rates for the homes.

His claim came at the end of a stormy session of the House of Assembly.

Fighting to be heard as restless MPs prepared to leave for a Government House function, Mr. Bascome demanded action on the "shocking'' policy.

A person seeking a home had told him they had been shown a renovated house in St. George's, built around the time of the Second World War. The rent was $1,200, Mr. Bascome had been told.

The corporation was charging "exorbitant'' amounts, he said.

Mr. Bascome also demanded a probe into the Government service offering help and education to pregnant single girls.

He wanted to know where the money had gone during an apparent spell of overspending.

The service was operating with a "skeleton crew'', he said. Teachers positions were being cut and the girls' education was suffering.

Social work had been cut back "drastically'', he added.