§ 26. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Health how many men, women and children were known to be homeless in England and Wales, and in Essex, at the new year; and how their numbers compare with earlier years since the war.
Mr. K.RobinsonI will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the numbers of persons in temporary accommodation at the end of each year from 1951; these are as supplied by local authorities responsible under the National Assistance Act, 1948, for the provision of accommodation for persons temporarily homeless.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonCan the Minister say to what extent there has been an increase in the numbers of homeless? May I also ask him now—although I will give him notice if he prefers it—what his policy is with regard to the separation of homeless people?
§ Mr. RobinsonI should be glad if the hon. Gentleman would put down a Question on that second point. On the first part of his supplementary question, I can say that these figures have fluctuated, but that since 1951 there has been an increase of over 80 per cent. in England and Wales. For Essex, I am glad to say, the figures are about the same for 1951 and 1963.
§ Following are the figures: