§ 84. Mr. Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the serious limitation in Scotland of residential accommodation for persons who by reason of age, infirmity or any other circumstances are in need of care and attention; what progress is being made by the local authorities, as directed under the National Assistance Act, 1948 (Part III), to remedy this state of affairs, and if he will, if necessary, present a comprehensive report on the position at a reasonably early date.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Miss Herbison)Since the National Assistance Act, 1948, came into operation, proposals by local authorities for the conversion of 26 large houses into homes for old people have been approved. Four of these homes have been opened, and work is being done on the other 22. The acquisition of other large houses is in hand. An account of the present position will be found in the Department's annual report which will be published shortly.
§ Mr. CarmichaelIs the hon. Lady aware that many local authorities are being held up on this work because they must purchase houses on the basis of the district value, and consequently when they go into the market they are denied the opportunity of purchasing because of the higher prices offered by private enterprise?
§ Miss HerbisonI am aware of that fact and we have to give consideration to it because of the necessity of finding places for these old people.