§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what visits are made to lodgings and private hostels where people on social security are being housed and how often.
§ Mrs. ChalkerIndividual claimants in lodgings and private hostels are visited on the same basis as other supplementary benefit claimants. The frequency varies according to the category of claimant. Powers to inspect private hostels are vested in local authorities. I refer the hon. Member to the replies given to her yesterday by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of the Environment.