HC Deb 17 December 1986 vol 107 c576W
15. Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to encourage greater use of empty homes to house homeless people.

Mr. John Patten

We are putting extra money in through housing associations and through our estates action initiative. I hope local authorities will now play their part in ending the scandal of council houses which stand empty when there are families without homes.

41. Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of people in London who will be without shelter at Christmas.

Mr. Tracey

There is no comprehensive information on the number of people in London who will be without shester at Christmas and my right hon. Friend is not in a position to make estimates.