§ 31. Mr. Yatesasked the Minister of Health what reply he has received to the representations which, in May, 1950, he undertook to make to the Birmingham City Council regarding the provision of hostel accommodation for homeless families in Birmingham.
§ Mr. MarquandThe City Council were asked to consider the possibility of providing a hostel for men in employment but without homes. They have arranged to reserve 10 beds nightly in a hostel they provide under the National Assistance Act for men found by the police to be in urgent need of accommodation.
§ Mr. YatesIs my right hon. Friend aware that in connection with the particular hostel about which I communicated with his predecessor, in May, 1950, there have been nearly 300 cases submitted by the police, and that between 10 and 15 are men being turned away every night? In view of the circumstances, will my right hon. Friend go into the matter again, because 10 beds are totally inadequate to meet the situation in Birmingham?
§ Mr. MarquandThe information I have is that, on the average, only two of the 10 beds have been taken up per night, and that the maximum number used is six.
§ Mr. ShurmerIs my right hon. Friend aware that the number of evictions taking place in Birmingham is greater than the estate department can cope with? In my own constituency there are a number of people who sleep out at night—families.
§ Mr. MarquandThe Question does not refer to evictions.
§ Mr. YatesMay I ask my right hon. Friend again, in view of the fact that only today I have been informed that 10 to 15 men are being turned away from the shelter every night, if he will go into the matter again?
§ Mr. MarquandYes, certainly. If there is a conflict of information of that kind it deserves examination and I will give it.