§ 58. Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities in England and Wales have to date provided accommodation for Chilean refugees admitted since the overthrow of the Allende Government; what steps he has taken to encourage others to do so; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CroslandThe information requested in the first part of the Question is not available. Local authorities themselves are in the best position to assess the relative needs of people in their area, and they can help to see that refugees get advice about the accommodation normally available in the housing market. The Government have assisted and are glad to acknowledge the continuing work of the British Council for Aid to Refugees which, in association with other voluntary organisations, is the central point for making arrangements for the reception and resettlement of refugees from Chile.