§ 62. Mr. HICKSasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, under the new arrangements made by the public 549 assistance committee of the London County Council, aged people, who through poverty are obliged to enter Poor Law institutions during the later years of their life, are being removed to other institutions, in some cases far from their friends; and whether, in view of the hardship this causes, he will take steps to prohibit the removal of aged persons from such institutions if they have been residents for a period of years and are over the age of 60?
Sir H. YOUNGThe improved classification of institutions, which was contemplated by the Local Government Act, 1929, and which is in the interest of inmates, cannot be effected without some transference. I understand that the London County Council are doing everything in their power to minimise inconvenience to these old people and their friends. I have, in any event, no power to issue such a prohibition as is contemplated in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. HICKSMay I ask the Minister whether he would be willing to recommend to the London County Council that, in the cases of aged people who want to visit their friends, and for whom it is quite a physical trial, or if any of their old friends want to visit them, the council should, in so far as is practicable, minimise any attempt to transfer those people?
Sir H. YOUNGI think that I can assure the hon. Gentleman that careful consideration of the convenience and comfort of the particular cases is given. I would remind him that the old people will be dealt with according to the proper classification.
§ Mr. LANSBURYMight I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he would ask the inspectors to go into this matter? Is he aware that there are cases of old people who are 80, 82 or 83 years of age, and who have been shifted right away from their friends? No one accuses anyone of doing that to hurt people, but it does seem that arrangements might be made to deal with these relatively few cases of real hardship.
Sir H. YOUNGI am satisfied that the London County Council are doing everything in their power to consider the circumstances of particular cases.