§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will estimate the cost of providing public sector dwellings for all homeless cases. [3833]
Mr. MurphyIt is not possible to provide an accurate estimate, since those classified as homeless by the Housing Executive are considered for allocations from the existing housing stock or from newly constructed dwellings. They may also be temporarily housed at present in hostels or bed and breakfast accommodation. The national cost of providing new dwellings for the estimated 4,000 currently classified as homeless would be £140 million.