§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what advice has been given to local authorities and health authorities regarding co-ordination of services for arriving Bosnian refugees; and what additional finance has been allocated to help them cope with the added burden;
(2) how many Bosnian refugees, either in this country already or expected to arrive in the next six months, have long-term accommodation provided for them;
(3) what agency is taking responsibility for the allocation of Bosnian refugees to communities in the United Kingdom; and how this process is to be financed.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe Refugee Council is taking the lead in arranging accommodation in the community for the Bosnian ex-detainees and their families which the Government have agreed to accept at the request of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It is receiving funds from the Home Office for this purpose. The accommodation will be financed through housing benefit payments.
Discussions have been held with the local authority associations, the Housing Corporation and the National Federation of Housing Associations with a view to identifying possible suitable clusters of accommodation in various areas of the country where there is a voluntary organisation support network. No accommodation has as yet been provided under these arrangements, although we understand that some of the Bosnians have left the reception centres to join relatives or friends already living here.
331WThe Government have no plans to provide additional resources to local authorities, but will be funding the Refugee Council to give advice and support to the Bosnians when they move into the community from the reception centres.
The Refugee Council and the British Red Cross are in touch with local health services in the areas where the reception centres are located about possible needs. The Department of Health is considering whether any further advice to health authorities is necessary.