Georgina - I followed the link suggested by Chris, and found this information, which disagrees with your message:

03 Nov 99
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Hi Lamarca, The (English) Folk Music Journal for 1975 is devoted to 'Music of the Travelling People' and on page 50 there's a song written by Maggie Stewart, once of Aberdeen then of Montrose. Here it is:
I CAN'T GET A HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY   etc.

I'm now confused. When do you believe John Tams wrote it? Is the EFDSS article incorrect? Did Maggie Stewart simply sing it, as written by Tams?

Help!