§ Mr. Arnold Shawasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she accepts the need for an independent inquiry into the Gleaves case; and when she expects the working group looking into the accommodation and other needs of homeless young people to report.
§ Mr. MeacherIn consultation with my right hon. Friends the Home Secretary and Secretary of State for the Environment I have asked the working group to make a thorough exploration of the implications of the Gleaves case with broader terms of reference as follows
To examine the lessons to be learned from the Gleaves case, and to make recommendations on the needs of homeless young people, particularly in inner city areas; on information services for them, especially at major rail and 'bus termini; on the system of issuing supplementary benefit vouchers for accommodation; on the supervision and inspection of hostels; and on the accommodation and other services required to meet their needs.The working group has a lot of ground to cover but I hope that it will not be too long before its report is ready. I intend that the outcome of its deliberations will be made public.