§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy towards the extension to Scotland of legislation on homelessness so that Scottish housing authorities will have the statutory duty to house the homeless, as recommended by the Morris Committee Report.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownFollowing the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Cook) on 10th November 1976—[Vol. 919, c.159]—when my right hon. Friend agreed in principle that the primary responsibility for securing accommodation for the homeless should lie with housing authorities, Scottish local authorities are now working towards an agreed code of practice for housing and social work authorities in dealing with homelessness and associated problems. I therefore regard it as inappropriate to legislate, at least at present.