§ 17. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that the provisions of the National Assistance Act, 1948, concerning welfare services for the physically-handicapped, are being fully applied in Scotland.
§ Mr. MaclayMy Department has recently been giving special attention to this problem, and I am about to ask local authorities to do more to promote the welfare of the physically handicapped. I shall be making suggestions in the circular I send out, and each local authority will be asked for a statement by a specified date of the action taken or proposed.
§ Mr. WillisIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Report recently published by the Scottish Council of Social Services points out that the local authorities are not really doing their job? What steps does he propose to take to see that the replies from the local authorities are implemented?
§ Mr. MaclayIt is necessary first of all to see what the replies are before deciding anything further. I have no reason to believe that the replies given will not be implemented.