§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why women are being turned away from the Government's reception centre for homeless women in Great Guildford Street, Southwark; and what are her long-term proposals for this hostel.
§ Mr. MeacherThe Supplementary Benefits Commission has no evidence that women whom it would be appropriate for it to admit to its reception centre at 96 817W Great Guildford Street, Southwark, are being turned away. But in some instances a woman may be referred elsewhere, for example, if all she wants is a bed for the night; is aged under 17; needs urgent hospital care; or is drunk and aggressive, and refuses to comply with directions given by the staff.
Subject to the necessary consultations with representatives of the staff concerned and with the local social services authority and interested local groups, the Commission proposes to use these premises for men transferred from other centres, principally from another centre within the Borough. New accommodation for women would then be made available at Cedars Lodge, Clapham.