§ 40. Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that 400 people were imprisoned for sleeping rough, under the Vagrancy Acts 1824 and 1935, during the most recent year for which figures are available, he will take steps to provide alternatives to prison for such homeless people.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonMy hon. Friend is misinformed. 400 persons were prosecuted for the relevant offence in the Vagrancy Acts in 1973 but only 35 were sentenced to immediate terms of imprisonment. 10 received a suspended sentence.
It has been the policy of successive Governments to develop alternatives to custody. The recognition of hostels in the Housing Act 1974 as eligible for the same subsidies and grants as other housing will encourage more provision for poor single people. The joint review of homelessness which is being conducted by my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment, for Social Services and for Wales includes consideration of the powers and duties of local authorities, and a consultation paper will be issued shortly.