§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many families have been in Part III accommodation; and how many children have been in care because of homelessness, in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. EnnalsStatistics of the numbers of families in temporary accommodation have been collected centrally for only the last two years. The figure for 31st December, 1966 is 2,558 and for 31st December, 1967, 2,975. Figures for the numbers of persons including children, in temporary accommodation in the last five years are given below.
TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED UNDER PART III OF THE NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT 1948 (England and Wales) Year Number of persons living in temporary accommodation at 31st December Persons (aged 16 and over) Children (aged 15 and under) Total 1963 3,814 7,121 10,935 1964 4,578 8,389 12,967 1965 4,251 8,160 12,411 1966 4,722 8,309 13,031 1967 5,641 9,933 15,574 Statistics compiled by the Secretary of State for the Home Department show that the numbers of children received into care by local authorities in England and Wales in each of the last five years where the reason was stated to be that the family was homeless were as follows:—
CHILDREN RECEIVED INTO THE CARE BECAUSE THE FAMILY WAS HOMELESS Year Children received into care during the 12 months ended 31st March 1964 3,438 1965 3,050 1966 2,824 1967 2,498 1968 1,983
§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of state for Social Services which local authorities do not permit fathers to live with their families in Part III accommodation.
§ Mr. EnnalsThis is a matter dealt with in circulars to local authorities and Departments are following up reports on this and other aspects of the provision of temporary accommodation. I am not in a position to list authorities by reference to their performance in this respect.