§ 32. Mr. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent provision, by conversion and new building respectively, or residential accommodation for old people is curtailed by present building restrictions.
§ Mr. J. StuartTwo projects for extending existing accommodation have been delayed; eight local authorities who have made inquiries about new building have been asked to make further search for suitable existing premises.
§ Mr. RossDoes that mean that no new building at all will be permitted for accommodating old people in Scotland?
§ Mr. StuartNo, Sir, it does not mean that. We have had to delay operations, 182 and preference will be given to projects which seem likely to provide satisfactory accommodation most economically.
§ Mr. StuartIt depends upon our ability to overcome the financial difficulties
§ 36. Mr. Manuelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of aged and infirm persons in Scotland who are unable to have nursing care and attention through lack of suitable accommodation.
§ Mr. J. StuartI am afraid I have not got comprehensive figures, but if the hon. Member has any particular area in mind I should be glad to make inquiries. Home nursing and domestic help services are, of course, available, under arrangements made by local health authorities, for people in their own homes.
§ Mr. ManuelIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of the local authorities in Scotland who are responsible, under Section 3 of the National Health Service Act, for the care and attention of old people, have sent forward to the Scottish Health Department schemes which they intend to operate when the right hon. Gentleman gives them freedom to have building licences which they can utilise to provide accommodation? Would he not, in view of the number of old people in Scotland needing attention, issue building licences, so that these, people may receive the care they need?
§ Mr. StuartWe have to be careful in regard to building licences at the present time. It is not the case that all these people require hospital accommodation; some of them can be looked after in their homes, and that does not require any new building.
§ Mr. ManuelIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I did not deal with hospital accommodation, but with the care of the aged and infirm, responsibility for which is placed firmly on the local authorities by Section 3 of the National Health Service Act?
§ Mr. StuartNew homes have been opened recently, and more are being opened, and I will, of course, encourage that development in any way possible.