HC Deb 27 July 1976 vol 916 cc232-3
6. Mr. Lane

asked the Secretary of State for the Social Services what further steps he proposes to take to tackle the problems of homeless young people.

Mr. Ennals

I hope to be able to publish the report of the working group which has been considering these problems before the recess and I propose to consider further, in consultation with my colleagues and other interested parties, what steps can be taken at the present time, bearing in mind the need for restraint in public expenditure.

Mr. Lane

Does the Secretary of State agree that it is now urgent that the Government should give an effective lead well before the winter? Could he at least give us an assurance that while resources must remain limited, help for young homeless people will not be restricted further as a result of the recent review of public expenditure?

Mr. Ennals

I shall make a statement on this matter before the Summer Recess, which means that hon. Members have only a few days to wait for this statement and the publication of the report. We do have to watch public expenditure very carefully. It would be wrong to imply that there should be some new responsibility for local authorities to carry out and new functions to fulfill if the funds are not provided to enable them to do so.

Mr. Greville Janner

Will freedom from the new restrictions be given to areas of extreme stress rather than to individual groups in various circumstances? Will the Secretary of State consult the Minister for Housing, in particular, about the ways in which homeless young people can be protected from the forthcoming blast?

Mr. Ennals

Yes, I shall do that. I have great concern for the problems of homeless people, having once been the Chairman of the Campaign for the Homeless and Rootless. These problems concern me very much, but I would rather refrain from comment until the report is published.

Mrs. Chalker

What action will the Secretary of State take to persuade British Rail to reverse its decision about the siting of an information booth on Euston Station to help young people when they come to London? Will he press British Rail to set up a similar booth at Victoria Coach Station, in order to point young people in the right direction?

Mr. Ennals

I am concerned about the decision taken by British Rail on this matter. The British Raliways Board wrote to the Home Office only on 20th July, and I am consulting with my hon. Friends about ways in which the difficulties put forward by the board can be met. It would be a great advantage if there were information centres at both Euston and Victoria Coach Station. The National Bus Company has been very co-operative about taking part in discussions on that proposal.