Homelessness (Hansard, 31 October 1988)

§ 7. Mr. Anderson
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the present level of homelessness in each district in Wales; and whether he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Grist
The most recent figures appear to show a significant reduction in the number of cases accepted by local authorities as homeless.

§ Mr. Anderson
Is the Minister aware of the concern by Welsh housing authorities at the figures released by his press office to the Western Mail a few weeks ago, which appear to conflict with their experience? Is he also aware of the puzzlement of those in the voluntary housing sector in Wales at the fact that the Welsh Office figures appear to show that in Wales figures are being reduced, whereas they are increasing in England? Does the Minister, on reflection, still accept the validity of the figures given by his press office?

§ Mr. Grist
Oddly enough, the figures are those provided by the local authorities themselves. But, because some doubt has been expressed, I have asked local authorities to validate them.

§ Mr. Murphy
Will the new housing body, Housing for Wales, in any way alleviate the plight of the homeless in the Principality? Is the Minister aware of the grave concern in housing circles in Wales about the way in which the head of that body has been appointed? Is he also aware that Welsh local authorities are the proper providers of housing, not bodies that are accountable only to the Secretary of State?

§ Mr. Grist
That was a most extraordinary statement by the hon. Gentleman. I would have said that Mr. Allen was a notable man in Welsh life and that he had been widely accepted by local authorities, and by people in housing associations and in the housing business in Wales.
I am astonished. I would expect the hon. Gentleman to understand that the establishment of Housing for Wales has been widely welcomed for the very reason that people see that the body will have a close understanding of the needs of the people of Wales. It was extraordinary that when I announced the establishment of the body in a housing debate it was attacked by Opposition Members and welcomed throughout the Principality.