HC Deb 24 March 1988 vol 130 c188W
Mr. Goodlad

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many homeless people in England and Wales have previously been admitted to mental hospitals; and what this figure represents as a percentage of the total number of homeless persons.

Mrs. Roe

This specific information is not available centrally. It is estimated, however, that in 1987 English local authorities accepted responsibility for accommodating about 2,300 households who they judged to be in priority need, on the grounds of some mental illness or handicap. This amounts to some 2 per cent. of all those accepted in priority need. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has responsibility for these matters as they affect the Principality.