§ 35. Mr. Manuelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland which Scottish local authorities are now operating schemes for home care of elderly and infirm persons.
§ Miss HerbisonUnder the National Health Service (Scotland) Act, local authorities provide nursing services in all areas for persons requiring nursing in their own homes. Domestic help services, available to old and infirm people, are provided by 44 of the 55 major authorities. The authorities have also certain powers under the National Assistance Act to co-operate with and assist voluntary organisations in this field. The Department of Health have issued a memorandum to the authorities suggesting how such co-operation might best be achieved, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.
§ Mr. ManuelWill my hon. Friend consider taking some action to provide more domiciliary care for old and infirm people in these areas where none exists, in view of the fact that in nearly every case no treatment can be given because the hospitals are already full?
§ Miss HerbisonThe power to make arrangements for domestic help is permissive, and 11 local authorities only have still to make this provision. I give an assurance that where the Department can help, it certainly will do so.