HC Deb 30 July 1980 vol 989 cc1499-501
9. Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give guidance in accordance with section 12 (2) of the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 to all authorities having international ports or airports within their areas on the implementation of the Act.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

A code or guidance already exists for the use of all authorities with responsibilities under the Act. We are currently reviewing both the Act and the code of guidance to see whether any changes may be necessary.

Mr. Soley

Will the Minister bear in mind that some boroughs, particularly Hillingdon, have already turned down offers of help from the GLC? Will he take this opportunity to remind the London borough of Hillingdon that it is morally objectionable to use homeless families as political pawns to serve its own rather dubious political ends?

Mr. Finsberg

I doubt whether the hon. Member is qualified to ask me to tell the London borough of Hillingdon its moral duties. I am satisfied that the views of the London borough of Hillingdon—and the views of the London Boroughs Association, which have been conveyed to the Government—will be given due weight in the review.

Sir Albert Costain

Does the Minister appreciate that it really is pathetic to make a political issue out of this? Does he also appreciate that in the Channel ports, for example, there is a special problem, and that people on the housing waiting lists suffer very severely? They will continue to do so until there is some revision of the rules.

Mr. Finsberg

I understand the frustration of thousands of people on waiting lists who find that their places, which they have been keeping for years, are suddenly overtaken for one reason or another. That is why the Government are taking some time to consider the whole process. If my hon. Friend's authority wishes to express any views, it should do so as soon as possible.

Mr. Winnick

In view of the Select Committee's report, published yesterday, is it not clear that the Government's policies are leading to an acute crisis that will make many more people homeless? Why should thousands of people, waiting desperately for housing, have to wait longer and longer on the waiting lists and become homeless as a result of Tory domga over council housing?

Mr. Finsberg

In view of the dogma of the Labour Party in trying unsuccessfully to kill shorthold, such a criticism lies ill in the mouth of the hon. Member. With regard to the press reports about the Select Committee, I must tell the House that when the Government have a chance to read the Committee's report in full, a comment will be made, as is normal.

Mr. Shersby

Does my hon. Friend agree that it was not the intention of Parliament in 1977 to impose on a borough such as Hillingdon, which has an international airport within its boundaries, a national duty to house people from all over the world at the expense of the indigenous population of that borough? Is my hon. Friend aware of the amendment in the names of 56 hon. Members to early-day motion No. 786? Will he amend the Act as soon as possible in the interests of the people of this country? [Interruption.]

Mr. Finsberg

We are reviewing this matter as quickly as we can. I understand the depth of sincerity with which my hon. Friend puts the views of his constituents, and I find it somewhat objectionable to hear the comments from the Labour Benches.