HC Deb 25 May 1971 vol 818 cc220-1
21. Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further representations he has received about homelessness in London since his announcement of a working party to study this problem.

Mr. Dean

None, Sir.

Mr. Spearing

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that, whatever its merits or demerits in other spheres, greater competition can only add to the problem of homelessness in London? Can he comment on the point that if we enter the Common Market the staff of European firms wishing to set up in London will further exacerbate the problem?

Mr. Dean

I do not think that on this Question I can be invited to comment on the Common Market. But I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the working party studying the matter is proceeding with all speed, and that we hope to be able to make an announcement shortly.

Mr. Lipton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the people of London are sick and tired of all the investigations, working parties and reports, and that the housing situation in London is worse than it has been since 1945? Will he stop the investigating and get on with the job of providing houses?

Mr. Dean

I have some sympathy with what the hon. Gentleman says, but I hope he does not feel that the report recently received is not of some value to us in finding a solution to the problem.