§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of families classified officially as being homeless who are being provided with bed and breakfast accommodation by each of the London boroughs.
§ Mr. AlisonThe extent to which board as well as accommodation is provided is not known. Generally families are enabled to cater for themselves.
§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if any of the London boroughs are defaulting in their statutory duties to provide Part III 248W accommodation for the homeless; and what action he proposes.
§ Mr. AlisonNo. London boroughs face great difficulties in carrying out their functions but are endeavouring to do so as well as their situation permits. We have with the Secretary of State for the Environment commended to them the principle that accommodation for homeless families should be provided under housing powers and not under the National Assistance Act and we await their response.