HC Deb 11 February 1987 vol 110 cc280-1W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to how many physically disabled people under 35 years of age are currently attending local authority day centres.

Mr. Major

The information available centrally does not indicate the number of physically disabled people under 35 years of age currently attending local authority day centres.

Information available relates to the number of places in day centres for physically handicapped people under 65 years of age and is published in "Day Centres for the Mentally III, the Elderly and the Younger Physically Handicapped at 31 March 1985, England" copies of which are in the Library.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance he has given to local authorities regarding the provision they should make in day centres for young physically disabled people.

Mr. Major

Circulars LAC 12/70 and LAC 13/74, copies of which are in the Library, give guidance to local authorities on how they should discharge their responsibilities under the National Assistance Act 1948 and the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 to provide day centre facilities for young physically disabled people.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations his Department has received regarding provision in day centres for young physically disabled people.

Mr. Major

No specific representations have been received recently, although the Royal College of Physicians Report "Physical Disability in 1986 and Beyond", published in July 1986 recommended in its survey of services for younger physically disabled people, that there should be adequate day care services.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ask Sir Roy Griffiths in the course of his overview of community care to make an assessment of the achievements of Support and Housing Assistance for People with Disabilities in providing community care for young disabled people.

Mr. Major

I will ensure that Sir Roy notes this suggestion.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department will undertake a review of day centre services for young physically disabled people; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Major

Future needs for day centre services for physically disabled people are being considered in the context of discussions with local authority associations about the costs of implementing the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986.