HC Deb 06 February 1957 vol 564 cc452-3

3.49 p.m.

Mr. Frank McLeavy (Bradford, East)

I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend section thirty-one of the National Assistance Act, 1948, and to empower local authorities to provide meals and domiciliary and other facilities for old people; and for purposes connected therewith. Section 31 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, empowers local authorities to make contributions to voluntary organisations which provide meals and recreational facilities for old people. A variety of voluntary organisations in various parts of the country are providing meals and other services for old people and receiving grants from the local authorities. Within the limitations of available workers and finance, these bodies are doing a splendid work, but there is nothing like a network of services operating throughout the country. The quality and scope is very limited. The services apply to some areas but not to others, and there is a lack of co-ordination.

The purpose of the Bill which I seek leave to introduce today is to bridge this gap in our social services, to empower local authorities to make a scheme for the purpose of meals, domiciliary services and recreational and other services. This will enable voluntary organisations to be used and their work supplemented by the local authority. In other words, it will coordinate both voluntary and welfare services in such a way as to provide a nation-wide service.

Recently, in another place, there was a most informative debate upon the care of old people. The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, replying to the debate, said: I think it is true to say that these voluntary associations know perfectly well that often they are not able to give meals of the standard they would like, but they are doing their best. Referring to the question of the powers of local authorities, the Minister went on: This aspect of the legal powers of local authorities to provide meals directly and the consequent need to rely entirely upon voluntary associations is one to which I think further attention ought to be given, and I will recommend the point which the noble Lord has made to my right hon. Friend."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, House of Lords, 22nd January, 1957; Vol. 201, c. 34.] This Ministerial statement is at least some justification for the purpose of the Bill. There are other equally good reasons why these provisions should be made. In 1955, there were about 4,500 elderly persons occupying hospital beds. They could have been moved and no longer needed full hospital treatment; but they could not be discharged, because they had nowhere to go. The average cost of a bed in a hospital is £12 to £15 a week. In the big London teaching hospitals the cost is about £25 a week. I wonder how many of these cases would have been saved from requiring hospital treatment if proper facilities had been provided in their homes in good time?

The whole structure of my proposed Bill is based upon the need to keep old persons in their homes, where they should be, by a proper system of providing meals and attention. Indeed, it is cheaper to do so than to provide either hospital beds or residential homes. The local authority will be able to make such charges as it feels right and proper for services rendered. No person will be refused meals or service on the ground that he or she is unable to make a contribution to the cost. I wish to emphasise that need will be the only test. These provisions will be welcomed by local authorities generally.

My proposed Bill is supported by hon. Members from the three political parties and I trust that the Motion will commend itself to the House.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. McLeavy, Mr. R. Williams, Miss Vickers, Mr. Clement Davies, Dr. Stross, Sir F. Markham, Mr. T. Brown, Mr. Tiley, and Mr. George Craddock.