HC Deb 04 November 1987 vol 121 cc728-9W
52. Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the increase in London's homelessness between 1979 and 1987.

Mr. Waldegrave

In 1979, London boroughs accepted responsibility for securing accommodation for 16,650 households. In the first half of 1987, they accepted 14,820.

55. Mr. Haynes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to offer temporary accommodation to the homeless over Christmas and in periods of severe weather.

Mr. Waldegrave

The primary responsibility for assisting homeless people rests with the local authorities.

62. Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the most recent previous year's cost to the London boroughs of bed-and-breakfast accommodation for homeless people.

Mr. Waldegrave

From returns made by local authorities to the Department it is estimated that in 1985–86 the total net cost to London boroughs was £25.3 million.

85. Ms. Primarolo

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to deal with the problem of homelessness.

Mrs. Roe

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given earlier today to the hon. Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. Morgan).

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