§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make available property in his possession for the use of homeless persons this winter.
§ Mr. ChannonArrangements already exist for bringing into suitable use the properties held by the Department. I have recently tightened these procedures and will be setting them out in the circular on homelessness which is to be issued shortly.
§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to issue to local authorities his circular on homelessness.
§ Mr. ChannonWith my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales I shall be issuing a joint circular on homelessness within the next few weeks.
§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he now intends to take to assist in the provision of homes for homeless families and single persons.
§ Mr. ChannonThe forthcoming joint circular on homelessness is designed to mark the start of a more effective effort by local authorities, voluntary organisations and central Government, working together. For single people, the Government intend to introduce a new form of financial assistance for hostels.
§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action his Department has taken regarding plans, announced in the April 1973 White Paper, to provide a new scheme of grant 188W aid to local authorities and voluntary bodies providing hostel accommodation for single homeless people.
§ Mr. ChannonA consultation paper outlining proposals for single people generally was circulated to local authority associations and voluntary organisations. It attracted much interest. The comments on it contained many useful points and suggestions, which are being incorporated, so far as practicable, into a revised scheme. This will be announced shortly.