HC Deb 13 November 1962 vol 667 cc186-7
26. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what is his estimate of the number of London homeless people; and how many are immigrants.

Sir K. Joseph

I am informed by the London County Council that on 3rd November it had in its care 1,014 homeless families, representing 4,724 persons. The Council does not keep records showing the countries of origin of homeless families, but its special report on homelessness published earlier this year showed that in 1961 about 30 per cent. of the wives were born abroad.

Sir C. Osborne

In view of the repeated and strong representations made in the House, especially by London Members on behalf of the London homeless, may I ask whether it is not unfair to London people to allow further immigration into this city until our own people are properly housed?

Sir K. Joseph

The movement of population, whether from abroad or in this country, obviously adds to the housing problem in the centres of attraction, such as London, but there is a substantial housing problem in London quite apart from that.

Mrs. Slater

Will the right hon. Gentleman always bear in mind that these people are human beings, no matter what their colour or race? Could he not do something to persuade his hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne) not to continue this sort of persecution which is absolutely out of keeping with the Christian philosophy which he often professes?

Sir K. Joseph

My hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne) is as sincere in his concern for the housing of the people as is the hon. Lady.

Sir C. Osborne

In view of the acknowledged difficulties in London of housing the people of London, will my right hon. Friend use his influence to see first that English people in their own country have the first chance?

Mr. M. Stewart

Will the Minister bear in mind that inquiry has shown that it is no good trying to muddle study of the homeless problem in London by bringing in the immigrant question? Will he bear in mind that the immigrant population help to keep the hospitals of London open, and help to run the city's transport and to build its houses and that the people who do that work have got to live somewhere, whether the hon. Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne) likes them or not?

Sir C. Osborne

The hon. Member for Fulham (Mr. M. Stewart) never speaks for Londoners.

Mr. Stewart

The hon. Member is never here when I do.