HC Deb 27 November 1945 vol 416 cc1065-6
36. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take to deal with the location of institutions for the aged; the rules and regulations governing these institutions; the provision of adequate and up-to-date recreational facilities within them; research into the diseases associated with old age; and a new approach to the housing of the aged.

Mr. Buchanan

Our aim is to provide accommodation for old people in houses, in comfortable old people's homes and in hospitals according to what is most suit- able for their individual needs. Local authorities are encouraged to make special provision for old people in their housing programmes and some have already done so. Other developments will depend on what can be done by way of new building and in part on future social service legislation.

Mr. Rankin

Arising out of that answer, for which I thank the hon. Gentleman, may I ask if in the meantime he could do anything to ensure that the restrictive practices at present in operation in many of the Poor Law institutions will be made a little easier for the aged people?

Mr. Buchanan

If my hon. Friend can tell me of any Poor Law authority which treats old people badly, I shall be very pleased because, in these enlightened days, I am sure none of us would wish to see old people treated badly.

Mr. McAllister

Will the hon. Gentleman urge on local authorities the necessity for not segregating old people into special little communities?

Mr. Buchanan

It is purely a matter for local government. On the whole, local government tends nowadays to treat old people well, but if there are any suggestions which I can safely convey to the local authorities to have old people more decently treated, if hon. Members will let me have them, I shall be at all times ready to approach the local authorities.

Mr. Rankin

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I am not suggesting that treatment in any of these institutions is bad, but that the rules and regulations in many of them are restrictive in their operations so far as the aged people are concerned?

Mr. Buchanan

Hon. Members must be aware that we are not a town council; we are Parliament, and these rules are made by democratic local authorities. The advice I give to my hon. Friend is to see that the appropriate people arc elected to the town councils.

Sir William Darling

Would the hon. Gentleman consider giving a double bounty on the building of houses for old age pensioners and old people? That would be a practical proposition.