§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will revise the guidance to local authorities concerning homeless persons which is given under section 37 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonAlthough the code of guidance has been well received generally I am aware from voluntary organisations in the field that some revision of the code might be desirable. I have asked for details of proposed amendments and when these are received I shall consider the position further.
The very difficult problems which can arise when dealing with homeless people call for the exercise of good housing management and close co-operation between all agencies involved. We are committed for our part to maintaining an effective legislative framework to help the homeless.