HC Deb 01 March 1985 vol 74 cc335-6W
Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what plans he now has for the disposal of 21 national reassessment centres;

(2) which organisations, including local authority social service departments and voluntary organisations, have been approached with a view to the purchase or use of the buildings occupied by the national reassessment centres;

(3) what alternative opportunities will be made available to those who presently reside in Government reassessment centres.

Mr. Whitney

I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Elmet (Mr. Batiste) on 5 February 1985 at columns548–9. The process of consultation to decide the form of alternative provision is just beginning and we have nothing to add to that reply.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what savings he estimates in (a) staff, (b) running costs, (c) repair costs and (d) the sale or lease of buildings from the closure of 21 national reassessment centres;

(2) if he will list the animals now cared for in national reassessment centres; and what plans he has for their location following the closure of the centres.

Mr. Whitney

I shall let the hon. Member have replies as soon as possible.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what organisations he considers to be responsible for the provision of help for young people who use the national reassessment centres.

Mr. Whitney

Young people are not generally admitted to resettlement units which are available to homeless people without a settled way of life. Where they are admitted special attention is given to them and they may be assisted to return home or referred to specialist agencies for young people. The consultation process that is just beginning will consider forms of replacement provision for people without a settled way of life. It is too early to say which organisations will eventually be involved in making that provision.