To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has had with local authorities regarding the provision of hostels for the homeless to match the reduction of resettlement units; and if he will make a statement.

The management of the Ressettlement Agency and day-to-day negotiations with local authorities and voluntary bodies are matters for Mr. Tony Ward, the chief executive, although no unit is closed unless Ministers are satisfied with replacement proposals. He will write to my hon. Friend and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.