§ Mr. CatonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what arrangements will be put in place to assist local authorities in Wales that provide accommodation for evacuees from Montserrat. [20456]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsMy right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Housing at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions announced on 29 October 1997,Official Report, column 817, that a special Grant Scheme would operate in England. I can confirm that a similar scheme will operate in Wales.
A special grant will be provided under the Local Government Finance Act 1988, and we intend to submit a report for the House's approval early next year. Officials in the Welsh Office will write today to Chief Executives and Chief Housing Officers of Welsh local authoritie setting out details of the scheme and arrangements for making claims. Copies of the letter have been placed in the Library. Subject to the approval of the House, £1,500 will be made available for each unit of accommodation provided for qualifying households placed with local authorities by the Home Office between 27 August 1997 and 31 January 1998. The grants scheme has been drawn up after consultation with the Welsh Local Government and Tai Cymru.