35. Mr. W. T. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in view of the need for hostel accommodation for girls and young women in London, if he will take steps to provide financial assistance for existing hostels in order to prevent their closure.
§ Mr. DeanIf the hon. Member is referring to the powers given by Schedule 4 of the Ministry of Social Security Act, 1966, this enables grants to be made only to hostels providing temporary accommodation for persons without a settled way of living.
Mr. WilliamsThe hon. Gentleman will know that my Question refers to homeless young women who come to London and therefore are very vulnerable. Even if it meant enlarging the scope of Schedule 4 of the Ministry of Social Security Act, would it not be better to do that so that adequate grants might be made to support young people before they get into trouble rather than incur the expense of dealing with them, both inside and outside prison, after they have got into trouble?
§ Mr. DeanI assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that individual applitions are considered, and will be considered, on their merits.