asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will issue guidance to local housing authorities to implement the recommendations of the Finer Report on One-Parent Families that families should not be separated in temporary accommodation unless there are exceptionally compelling reasons.

The joint circular on homelessness, DOE 18/74, issued in February 1974 advised local authorities that there was no acceptable alternative to accommodation in which a family could be together as a family. My right hon. Friend regards this advice as adequate for the present; it was warmly welcomed by the Finer Committee.