§ Ms MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many homeless people there are in Northern Ireland; and how many of these are under 18 years of age. [3855]
§ Mr. MossThis is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The chief executive has advised me that it is not possible to give the number of people who are homeless at a particular time. However, information available is as follows:
The total number presenting as homeless for 1995–96 was 10,468 and from April to September 1996 was 5,678.
Year Total1 Under 18 1995–96 4,319 195 1996–972 2,421 109 1Accepted as in priority need and awarded priority status. 2From April 1996 to September 1996.