Oral Answers to Questions

Jamie Stone Excerpts

Monday 12th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Jamie Stone—welcome back. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear.”]

[Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) (LD)]

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I thank right hon. and hon. Members for the kind sentiments that I have received recently.

I am sure the Minister recognises that the lack of available or affordable housing is critical when it comes to rural employment. Indeed, on the west coast of my constituency—opposite the constituency of the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Torcuil Crichton)—we have almost none at all. Of course, housing is devolved to the Scottish Government, but could the Minister share best practice in England and Wales with those north of the border to see if we can do something about this problem?

[Andrew Western]

May I, too, welcome the hon. Gentleman back to his place?

I would be very happy to ask colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to share any best practice with their Scottish counterparts. This Government are investing £39 billion in the delivery of social and affordable homes because we recognise the issues that the hon. Gentleman sets out. The fundamental starting point for any good life is access to a good-quality, safe and secure home, and that is something we are committed to delivering.