David Norris (Independent)

In my discussions with the four principal elements of the Make Room grouping, they were extremely positive about the Bill and about the Minister of State's attitude. There is no question of a dispute or anything like that. However, I could not help noticing that the Minister did not actually say they are happy with the definition of homelessness. In fact, he scrupulously avoided it. Perhaps he is correct — he has just said he cannot speak for them — but the rest of his language is also instructive. He said they have been informed of the decision of the Government and that they continue to work with us. That does not reassure me 100%.

I am not suggesting there is any tension between the Minister of State and these groups because they are all moving very much in the same direction. One of the most heartening things is the Minister of State's very clear commitment to an implementation plan. I would support him in what I understand him to say, namely, that any amount of definitions are no use unless one has an implementation plan. This House on all sides will support the Minister of State in the most rapid development and action on the implementation plan.

If I might presume to one slight correction, when the Minister of State directed my attention to section 10 he referred to 1998. The Act in which I am most interested is that of 1988, not 1998. It is an understandable confusion as there are so many. However, it is reasonable to let the record show it is the definition contained in the Act of 1988.