§ Mr. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his plans for helping the homeless in Scotland.
§ Mr. William RossThe provision of accommodation for the homeless is primarily the responsibility of local authorities. I have issued guidance to local authorities on allocation policies and methods. I have also issued a circular on the assessment of housing needs, including those of the homeless. This guidance I shall be amplifying shortly. The findings of a Scottish Office study of homelessness were made available to the Morris Committee, which in its report earlier this year recommended that responsibility for housing the homeless should be transferred from social work authorities to housing authorities. I am obtaining views on this recommendation.