HC Deb 15 June 1944 vol 400 cc2141-2
37. Mr. Rostron Duckworth

asked the Minister of Health what advice his Department has issued to local authorities on the establishment of small colonies of homes for the aged; and whether he is aware of the practicability of such a scheme.

Mr. Willink

Advice as to the need for special small dwellings for old people and as to the type of dwelling best suited to their requirements has been issued to local authorities on a number of occasions by circulars, housing manuals and otherwise. Further advice on the location and planning of such dwellings will be included in the forthcoming new manual, following the report of the Design of Dwellings Sub-Committee of my Central Housing Advisory Committee. About 48,800 special dwellings for old people have already been built by local authorities and many of them are in groups or colonies.

Mrs. Hardie

Will the Minister take note that elderly people do not want to be segregated, and that what they would desire is to have their smaller houses incorporated in housing schemes?

Mr. Willink

I took it that the expression "colonies" meant groups rather than separate and segregated units.