HC Deb 23 July 1984 vol 64 cc518-9W
Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding each of the four health and social service boards provided to each voluntary organisation providing emergency accommodation for the homeless in 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83 and 1983–84.

Mr. Chris Patten

The table shows the amount of grant paid by each Health and Social Service Board for each of the four financial years under the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 to voluntary organisations providing emergency accommodation for the homeless.

The statistics available do not identify the numbers of children admitted to care because of inadequate housing conditions and this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Details of expenditure by boards are not completed by reference to the numbers of children admitted to care or the causes of such admissions. It is not, therefore, possible to identify the extent of board expenditure on meeting the needs of children in care by reason of homelessness or inadequate housing conditions.

Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans the Government have to provide a swift independent appeals system for people who have been turned down for A1 and A2 status by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Mr. Chris Patten

There are no plans to introduce such a system. The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints provides an opportunity for all housing applicants to have legitimate complaints investigated.

Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money has been spent by statutory agencies in providing bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless people during the period 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83 and 1983–84.

Mr. Chris Patten

Information is not readily available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.