HC Deb 25 April 1977 vol 930 cc261-2W
Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he will take to direct runaway young people arriving in London to suitable hostels of approved standards in London.

Mr. Moyle

As the Working Group on Homeless Young People pointed out, there is already special provision for giving advice and guidance to young people who arrive in London without proper preparation. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has been considering the possibility of additional help to some of the voluntary organisations concerned.

Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will extend the right of entry, inspection and registration under the National Assistance Act 1948 to hostels catering for groups, particularly of young people in addition to those for elderly and handicapped.

Mr. Moyle

No. The Working Group on Homeless Young People looked at this issue in some detail, but came unanimously to the view that in all the circumstances a registration system would make the situation worse. I agree with this conclusion. A copy of the working group's report is in the Library and the relevant paragraphs are from 14.13 to 14.18.