§ 15. Mr. Roderickasked the Secretary of State for Wales what advice and assistance he is now giving to local authorities in Wales on the implementation of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattGeneral guidance on the Act was given to local authorities in 1970 and specific guidance on Sections 1 and 2 in September 1971. My Department is always ready to give any advice and help it can.
§ Mr. RoderickIs not the hon. Gentleman ashamed of the record of some Welsh local authorities, indicated in The Times today? He was very concerned with the implementation of the Housing Finance Act. Will he show the same concern about the implementation of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI have been looking at the records of the two counties which the hon. Gentleman represents. I notice that the record of one of them has improved since last year but that the record of the other has got worse. It might well be that the hon. Gentleman should address his remarks to the county concerned. We in the Welsh Office have asked local authorities to submit returns by 30th April this year which will show the extent to which they have implemented Sections 1 and 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act.
§ Mr. George ThomasBut is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is no good telling my hon. Friend that he should write to the Brecon county authority? The Welsh Office has a moral obligation in this matter. Welsh authorities should be doing more to implement the Act about which the House unanimously agreed.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI assure the right hon. Gentleman that we have done every- 920 thing possible. A postal survey of every household in the county of Brecon has been instituted. A 100 per cent. house-to-house survey has been under way in Radnorshire since April 1972. However, I agree that publicity given to today's exchanges may well help.