HL Deb 25 April 1988 vol 496 cc108-9WA
Baroness Jeger

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What response they are giving to Mother Teresa's request that housing provision should be made for homeless people sleeping in "cardboard coffins" in London.

The Earl of Caithness

Her Majesty's Government fully share Mother Teresa's concern about the homeless, including people sleeping rough. Various arrangements exist for the provision of temporary or permanent accommodation. These include local authorities' duties under Part III of the Housing Act 1985, the allocation of resources for hostels and other housing association projects, and DHSS responsibility for the provision of temporary board and lodging for those without a settled way of life. A valuable contribution is also made by the private sector, in some cases with Her Majesty's Government's financial assistance. Experience has shown, however, that in spite of the wide range of provision available some people opt to be without a settled way of life.