HC Deb 21 July 1980 vol 989 cc111-3W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that the work of the Housing Development Directorate for

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, whether, now that the Government have agreed to examine the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act to see whether or not amendments should be made, he will consider in such possible amendments that any homeless person coming from any overseas country, or other persons in a like position, should be re-housed in a Government half-way or temporary shelter, paid for at taxpayers' national expense, rather than at the cost of local ratepayers where the person and family may eventually land.

Mr. Stanley

A review of the operation of the Act and the associated code of guidance, to see whether any changes may be necessary, has been in progress for some time. The situation of people from overseas who are homeless on or shortly after arrival in this country is among the issues on which representations have been made. The hon. Member's proposal will be considered together with the others that have been received.

Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Heddle), Official Report, 3 June, c. 671, relating to homeless households, he will separate the answers given into (a) one-parent families, (b) two-parent families and (c) other households.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Following is the information:

disabled people will be continued and expanded;

(2) what plans he has concerning the future of the Housing Development Directorate; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stanley

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Hannan) on 18 July 1980.—[Vol. 988, c.724.]