HL Deb 30 June 2004 vol 663 cc25-6WA

Lord Dholakia asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will establish a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Joseph Scholes in Stoke Heath Young Offender Institution in March 2002, as recommended by the coroner. [HL3214]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal): The coroner has written to my right honourable friend the Home Secretary, commenting on a number of issues arising from the inquest. We are considering his comments and will reply in due course. We will make known our response by means of a Ministerial Statement.

Estimates of the number of households accepted as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in a priority need category, in local authority districts classified by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister as rural, are tabled below.

Households accepted by local authorities as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need: England

1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 Rural authorities 14,950 16,890 17,420 19,320 20,850 Urban authorities 90,630 97,790 100,390 110,750 116,150 All local authorities 105,580 114,670 117,810 130,070 137,000

NotesTotals may not equal sum of components because of roundingSourceODPM PIE homelessness returns (quarterly)

Baroness Byford asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many temporary-accommodated households there were in rural areas in the years 1995–2003. [HL3401]

Lord Rooker:

Information on the number of households living in temporary accommodation provided by local authorities under homelessness legislation as at the end of each quarter is collected by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Estimates as at 31 March of each year, in local authority districts classified by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister as rural, are tabled below.