homes in Dockyard.

Progressive Labour Party MPs believe the subject should have been discussed in the House of Assembly.

And they accused Government of ignoring the plight of the residents by cutting short the adjournment debate on Saturday afternoon.

But Minister of Health, Welfare and Housing the Hon. Quinton Edness said claims that Government had ignored the tenants were "nonsense.'' Mr. Edness said it was a pity that tenants "have allowed themselves to become political pawns.'' At a meeting of the Dockside Housing Committee this week it was announced that six homes were affected. The tenants of Clarence Terrace claimed that Government had told them to move but had not offered anywhere to go. And they said they had been "harassed'' by officials trying to get them out of their homes of more than 30 years in some cases.

Sandys North MPs Mr. Eugene Cox and Mr. Dennis Lister spoke to the residents at the meeting. Shadow Finance Minister Mr. Cox said despite meetings with Government Ministers, Mr. Edness and the Hon. Gerald Simons, representing Minister of Works the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto, the tenants had not been helped.

Mr. Cox said that the matter had been going on since 1984 and the Government had done little to help the people of Clarence Terrace.

His colleague, Shadow Youth and Sport Minister Mr. Lister said the subject should have been raised in Parliament on Saturday afternoon. "The Government got up and walked out. It had to be a planned activity,'' said Mr. Lister.

He believed it proved that the Ministers involved were not bothered about their responsibilities.

At the meeting Mrs. Mary Simons, who has lived in Clarence Terrace for 37 years, claimed she was being forced out of her home and being harassed by officials.

But Mr. Edness said: "This is nonsense. Every assurance was given that these people would not just be turfed out of their homes. The Government gave every assistance to help with alternative accommodation and, should they need it, housing assistance and social assistance.

"But we also requested that they try and find a place for themselves as well.

The Government did not feel entirely responsible for finding this accommodation.'' Mr. Edness pointed out that Mr. Cox had been told at least twice that the Government was not taking a harsh view of the tenants and would assist them wherever possible.

He said: "This has been going on since 1984 and we have tried to assist them.

There were 10 tenants, and five have helped themselves to find places.'' Mr. Edness said he believed that the PLP were taking advantage of the situation. "These people should not allow themselves to be used as political pawns. All the PLP is attempting to make it look as if this is harsh Government that has been harassing these people.

"Someone going round to your house to offer help is not harassment.''