§ Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress he is making in his search for ways of alleviating the problems of the single homeless in inner London.
§ Sir K. JosephThe Supplementary Benefits Commission, which is responsible for providing temporary board and lodging in reception centres for persons of an unsettled way of living, provides 1,240 beds in London. By the end of 1973 a further 300 beds will be available. In the recent White Paper "Widening the Choice: The Next Steps in Housing" the Government promised early legislation to give additional help to organisations ready to provide hostels and similar accommodation for single people. My hon. Friend, the Minister for Housing and Construction, and I will meet representatives of the Greater London Council and the London Boroughs Association when they are ready to discuss the final report of the Joint Working Party on Homelessness in London which dealt among other things, with the needs of homeless single people, including those requiring care and support.