§ 41. Mr. Parkasked the Minister without Portfolio what action he intends to take to deal with the report of the survey on homeless single persons carried out by the National Assistance Board in co-operation with Government Departments; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister Without Portfolio (Mr. Patrick Gordon Walker)I am considering the report in conjunction with the Ministers concerned.
§ Mr. ParkWill my hon. Friend inform the House what authorities or individuals he is consulting about this matter?
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerI have, of course, consulted with the various Ministers concerned and in particular with Mr. Richard Hayward, Chairman of the Supplementary Benefits Commission. This is the agency primarily concerned. I was particularly interested in his ideas of arranging for longer stays for these people in the various hostels and centres. An experiment is now going on in three such places where there can be prolonged stays. Of course, an experiment of this kind needs time before we can judge whether it will help in the situation.