HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc559-60
38. Mr. E. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Health if he will give details of the scheme prepared by the Derbyshire local health authority, and approved by him, under Section 28 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, giving power to the local health authority to take action, as indicated in circular 5/52, in connection with the short-term care of mental defectives in cases of urgency.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The local health authority have not submitted any scheme to my right hon. Friend in relation to this circular.

Mr. Wakefield

Can my hon. Friend say whether, even in the absence of such a scheme, the local health authority in Derbyshire have the power to make short-term arrangements for taking charge, for instance, of mentally defective children when their parents are in a state of collapse?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

If the local authority takes advantage of the powers under Section 28 it can board the children out and pay for their maintenance; or arrange for admission to hospital in suitable cases, for which no special power is needed.

Mr. Champion

In the absence of any action by the Derbyshire County Council to provide these facilities, what action is the Minister taking?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

To establish the existing arrangements I would require notice of a further question, but it is within the power of local authorities, and within their local knowledge, to apply for the powers if they feel it is necessary. If the hon. Member desires further information he will, no doubt, put down a Question.