§ Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many immigrants have arrived in the United Kingdom without permanent accommodation arranged, annually since 1970.
§ Mr. FreesonThese are figures available on homelessness, but within these figures immigrants registering as homeless on arrival are not readily distinguishable. The number seems to be very small.
§ Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much it would cost to provide temporary and cheap accommodation for immigrants at the main points of arrival.
§ Mr. FreesonThis would depend on the numbers involved and the scale of provision envisaged. In practice the majority of immigrants who are permitted to settle in Britain find accommodation for themselves immediately on arrival. The Joint Circular on Homelessness (DOE 18/74, DHSS 4/74, WO 34/74) describes ways in which local authorities can deal with homelessness and encourages authorities to make full and economic use of existing sources of accommodation.
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§ Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much he estimates it has cost local and national Government to provide temporary accommodation for immigrants per annum since 1970.
§ Mr. FreesonSpecific resources were required to assist the resettlement of refugees from Cyprus and Uganda, but the small element of cost which might be attributable to newly arrived immigrants requiring temporary accommodation is not readily distinguishable.
§ Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what the present policy is with regard to the provision of temporary accommodation for immigrants prior to permanent settlement in the United Kingdom;
(2) what guidance he is providing to local authorities about dealing with immigrants arriving for permanent settlement in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. FreesonThe Joint Circular on Homelessness (DOE 18/74, DHSS 4/74, WO 34/74) describes a range of ways by which local authorities can deal with homelessness.
§ Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his functions in connection with dealing with immigrants arriving for settlement in the United Kingdom; and how they link with the responsibilities of local authorities for these matters.
§ Mr. FreesonI would refer the hon. Member to the various policy circulars which have been issued as guidance to local authorities in carrying out their duty to tackle housing needs. In particular I will send him a copy of the White Paper on "Race Relations and Housing" (Command 6232).