asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what way, if any, the proposed resettlement units in clause 2(1) of schedule 2 to the Social Security Bill differ from existing reception centres; and what plans he has for the future.

Over the years greater emphasis has been placed on helping reception centre users back into the community, and the change in name is intended to reflect this. Resettlement work, in co-operation with local housing, health and social services authorities, is to be further developed in future. Policy on the provision of services for people without a settled way of living is one of the items which is being studied in the second stage of the supplementary benefits review.