HC Deb 19 June 1952 vol 502 c1545
28. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities have exercised the powers conferred on them, in relation to the welfare of handicapped persons, in the two circulars issued last summer, following a report presented to his predecessor by a committee presided over by the hon. Member for Lowestoft.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I have approved schemes for providing welfare services for handicapped persons submitted by 49 local authorities in England and Wales. Schemes submitted by nine local authorities are under examination.

Dr. Stross

Does the Minister consider that this number is satisfactory? If he does not, what does he suggest he might do to see that more local authorities play their part in this rather urgent and vital service?

Mr. Macleod

No, I do not think one can say that the figure is very satisfactory at all; I entirely agree with the hon. Member. I have in the last resort default powers under Section 29 of the 1948 Act, but I do not think this is a suitable subject on which one could use those powers. I prefer to encourage local authorities as far as they can to submit schemes to me.