§ 12. Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are at present homeless in (a) Ynys Môn, (b) Gwynedd and (c) Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristDuring the period 1 October 1987 to 31 December 1987, the latest quarter for which figures are available, six homelessness cases were accepted by the local authority in Ynys Môn, 69 cases were accepted in Gwynedd as a whole and 1,239 cases were accepted throughout the Principality.
§ Mr. JonesIf local authorities are obliged to dispose of their housing stock when the Housing Bill is enacted, will the Minister tell us who will assume statutory responsibility for the homeless?
§ Mr. GristStatutory responsibility will remain with the local authorities and it will be up to them to carry out those duties. They will use their powers in a way similar to the way they use them now.
Mr. Alan WilliamsDoes the Minister accept that homelessness is still about 25 per cent. higher than it was when the Government came to office, on the basis of the official figures, which are lower than those of Shelter? Will he accept Opposition warnings that the recent decision in relation to the social security changes to pay bed and breakfast for youngsters a week in arrears will mean that, as landlords refuse to accept the arrangement, more, not fewer, of our young people will be made homeless?
§ Mr. GristI do not accept the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's assertion, as the numbers have risen by about 600, which is about 12 per cent., since 1979. The 1987 figures in comparison to those for 1986 fell by another 700. With regard to his second point, he will have to table a question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.