§ 6. Mr. Longdenasked the Minister of Health whether people who, though so paralysed that they cannot be registered as available for work, are able to leave hospital and live at home, may receive constant attendance from the National Health Service.
§ Mr. PowellI would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 25th March to the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. K. Robinson).
§ Mr. LongdenIs my right hon. Friend aware that if these terribly unfortunate people are able to go home it is much better for them and much cheaper for the State? Is it not possible to provide them with the essential constant attendance allowance?
§ Mr. PowellIf my hon. Friend is concerned with a money allowance, that is not a question for me; but it would be quite impracticable for the community to provide constant care and attendance outside the framework of the hospital service. This does not diminish one's admiration for the people who do live at home under great handicap.
§ Lord BalnielDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that it is perhaps rather unsatisfactory that young people who could be at home if they received a constant attendance allowance should have to live out their lives in chronic sick hospital wards? Cannot my right hon. Friend reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. PowellThe number of young chronic sick is fortunately relatively very small. But I cannot believe that it could be practicable or effective for the community to provide constant care and attendance except through the hospital service.