§ Mr. Corbynasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the London Tourist Board concerning the use of London hotels by homeless people.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy officials have discussed this matter with representatives of the London Tourist Board and other Government Departments concerned. Our code of guidance on part III of the Housing Act 1985 discourages authorities from using hotels as interim accommodation for homeless households except as a last resort and suggests various preferable alternatives such as empty council dwellings awaiting repair or a short term lease of empty private sector property. Our recent initiatives through Estate Action and through the Housing Corporation's mixed-funding programme have given practical assistance. Tourism matters of course fall within the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.