§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures have been introduced by his Department since May 1979 to combat the problem of homelessness in London.
§ Sir George YoungHomeless people in London, as in other parts of the country should benefit from the measures to improve the availability of accommodation which I outlined in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Leek (Mr. Knox) on 17 November 1981—[Vol. 13, c.117–18.] These measures have been given further impetus by the Housing Corporation's 1982–83 hostels programme of £18 million, some £6½ million of which will be spent in London.
The legislation specifically concerned with homelessness is the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 which 250W places on local authorities the responsibility for assisting homeless people. The operation of this legislation is currently under review.