§ Mr. Shoreasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had concerning the recommendations contained in the first report of the Home Affairs Committee, Session 1986–87, on 644W Bangladeshis in Britain; and, what is his policy as regards the Select Committee's recommendation that Tower Hamlets HIP allocation be significantly increased, at least to the extent needed to prevent further deterioration in housing conditions in the borough.
§ Mr. John PattenThe main HIP allocations for 1987–88 were made before the Select Committee's report was received and honoured in full the assurances previously given that allocations would be at least 80 per cent. of the initial allocations for 1985–86. Additional allocations are available for schemes to improve conditions on rundown estates, prepared in consultation with Estate Action : Tower Hamlets has already benefited under that heading in 1986–87, and submitted bids for 1987–88, which are being considered.
Decisions about HIP allocations for 1988–89 have not yet been made. Tower Hamlets will be invited to make a HIP submission to the Department later this year, when we shall consider it, together with other evidence about the authority's needs and performance.
The Government will be publishing a response in due course to all the Committee's recommendations.
§ Mr. Shoreasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the Tower Hamlets council since May 1986 on the growing cost and number of homeless families in Tower Hamlets; and what response he has made.
§ Mr. John PattenThe main specific representation was a recent report on homelessness which was discussed with officials on 14 April. We shall take account of all such representations when considering the council's next housing investment programme bid.