HC Deb 17 April 1956 vol 551 cc850-1
68. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will recommend local authorities to make fuller use of their powers to provide hostel accommodation for old people.

Mr. Sandys

This is a matter which in my opinion local authorities are best able to decide for themselves in the light of local needs.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is the Minister aware that certain local authorities have discontinued proposals with which they were intending to proceed under the 1949 Act because of the increase in interest rates? Will he try to take action to ensure that extra provision of this kind for old people is proceeded with?

Mr. Sandys

There are the wishes and the needs of the older people to be considered. It is not purely a matter of finance. There are very many older people who do not wish to be put into hostels.

Dame Irene Ward

May I ask my right hon. Friend to bear in mind that the accommodation for older people is not satisfactory? Will he also bear in mind that we are getting rather tired of just being told this is a concern of the local authorities? If he could give some guidance to the local authorities, and if he felt like doing so, would he please do so?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Sandys

I think that the House generally wants now to hear my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.