HC Deb 04 March 1954 vol 524 cc1341-2
21. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the delay in the payment of an Exchequer contribution to the Hampton House Home for Old People, Hereford; and whether, in view of the financial difficulty the society now find themselves in, he will expedite the payment of this grant in view of the fact that application was first made to the county council under Section 28 of the National Assistance Act in June, 1951.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Patricia Hornshy-Smith)

Yes, Sir. A provisional payment of grant was made on 22nd February to the county council for the society, pending determination of the basis of payment to be applied in the future. This has now been settled, and a further payment on account of grant will be paid in the course of the next few days.

Mr. Baldwin

Will the hon. Lady expedite a further grant, because the Committee of the Hampton House Home is now considering whether, unless it gets the full grant to which it is entitled, it will be possible to maintain the provision made for these old people?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I can assure my hon. Friend that the delay was due to a question of a legal ruling. The matter has been settled, and I think he will find it satisfactorily completed in the manner which he hopes.