§ 18. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the policies of his Department for providing for the homeless.
§ Mr. ArmstrongYes, Sir. As we made clear during the debate on the Gracious Speech, the Government remain committed to legislation on this subject, and it is our wish that authorities should in the meantime continue to act in accordance with the advice in the joint circular on homelessness issued in February 1974.
§ Mr. CanavanIn view of the extreme anger caused by the Government's failure so far to honour their promise to introduce new legislation to make adequate provision for the homeless, will my hon. Friend state clearly whether there is or is not the slightest chance of any new legislation to this effect being introduced this Session? If not, will he say that the Government will support a Private Member's Bill to make provision for homeless families and the single homeless, who include many young people?
§ Mr. ArmstrongI understand the concern of many hon. Members that the homelessness Bill was not included in the Gracious Speech. However, we are committed to it and we will honour that commitment. In the meantime, if a Private Member comes forward with a Bill the Government will give it careful and detailed consideration.
§ Mr. LawrenceSince it costs four times as much to subsidise a council house tenant as to subsidise a private house owner through mortgage tax relief, will the Minister stimulate the private sale market? If he did this, he would liberate a large amount of extra resources which would be a positive contribution to the relief of homelessness.
§ Mr. ArmstrongI cannot think of any approach that would give more anger than would that suggestion to those who are concerned with homelessness. The hon. Member's allegation is simply not true.