§ Mrs. Haymanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps his Department has taken to implement the housing recommendation of the Finer Report on One-Parent Families; whether he intends to issue a circular to local authorities on the subject; and, if so, when.
§ Mr. FreesonA number of the recommendations about housing in the Finer Committee Report have been accepted by the Government. Since then further recommendations have been adopted by the passing of the Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act. I very much understand my hon. Friend's concern about the issue of a circular of guidance to housing authorities. We have consulted the local authority associations about this and I have no doubt that authorities are aware of the recommendations of the Committee. I am, however, considering whether to carry consultations further and I will make a statement in the very near future.