§ Mr. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hostels there are in London specifically for young people who have arrived in London with neither a job nor accommodation; and how many of these are (a) run or (b) aided by the Government.
§ Mr. MeacherI understand that some hostels are run primarily for young people but I am not aware of any that restrict admission to young people coming to London from elsewhere. The Supplementary Benefits Commission's reception centres in Dean Street and Camden are 329W able to give temporary help to some young people, but otherwise, apart from commercially run establishments, hostels are provided by local authorities or voluntary organisations and Government aid is available in appropriate circumstances to local authorities by subsidy and to voluntary organisations by housing association or other grants.