§ Sir Gilbert Longdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the progress which has been made by local authorities in fulfilling all their duties under Part III of the National Assistance Act 1948 in the matter of providing homes for the homeless; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeanWe are satisfied that social services authorities generally are seeking to discharge their responsibilities towards homeless families, but following the recent joint working parties on homelessness in London and parts of South-West England my right hon. Friend has been discussing with my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction and representatives of certain local 425W authorities what further steps can be taken to deal with homelessness and to improve arrangements for accommodating homeless families.