asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what preparations have been made to protect the interests of families in housing need on local authority waiting lists in the event of the enactment of the Housing (Homeless Persons) Bill.

The way in which they exercise thier responsibilities under the Bill will be a matter for housing authorities. The Bill makes clear that they may discharge these responsibilities in a range of ways, and I am sure they will take account of the circumstances both of the homeless people concerned and of others in urgent housing need in their areas. The draft code of guidance to be associated with the Bill—a copy of which is in the Library of this House—contains advice on this.