HC Deb 23 May 1950 vol 475 cc1835-6
33. Mr. Douglas Houghton

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether she will now arrange for the National Assistance Board to exhibit at each area office the name, address and telephone number of the local officer to whom a person in need of assistace may apply when the area office is closed.

Dr. Summerskill

I am informed by the Board that they have considered this matter very fully and are satisfied that the present arrangements are adequate.

Mr. Houghton

Will my right hon. Friend take notice of the assurance given by her predecessor in Standing Committee "C" on 10th December, 1947, and implement it as soon as possible?

Dr. Summerskill

Yes, I have read that, of course, and a full investigation has been made, but my hon. Friend will recall that before 1948 the relieving officers under the old Health Act were responsible for discharging the duties which are now discharged by the executive officers and area officers. We discovered that almost the only cases which the relieving officers were called upon to deal with outside, their ordinary hours were those which needed admission to hospitals or mental hospitals. That work is done by the health authorities, and therefore it would be rather extravagant to set up a special service now.

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