§ Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements are being made for housing Chilean refugees entering Great Britain and the issue to them of supplementary benefit payments; and what is the likely total average cost of providing these for each refugee in the first year of their residence.
§ Mr. FreesonThe Government are glad to acknowledge the assistance being given by the British Council for Aid to Refugees, with the help of other voluntary organisations, in finding initial accommodation. A part of their accommodation which is being taken up is that which is normally available in the housing market to those arriving in this country or moving from one part of the country to another.
The position as regards supplementary benefit was explained in the answer, of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member, given on 18th July by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security to a Question by the hon. Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Blaker).
It is not possible to give any estimate of cost, which may vary widely according to the circumstances of each individual.