§ 21. Mr. Costainasked the Minister of Health what plans he has to enable the care of mentally-handicapped children under the age of five years to be undertaken by county council authorities.
§ Mr. CostainDoes the Minister appreciate that certain local authorities take a different view of this matter? Does he realise the problems of mothers with mentally handicapped children under the age of five, living in areas of county councils who do not make this provision? Surely there should be some general provision for all children under five in this difficult position.
§ Mr. SnowMany local authorities, to an increasing extent, provide forms of nursery care broadly for 2–5 year-olds in this group. Some of the attendances are on a part-time basis. It is generally considered that apart from advice and guidance—which are provided by the local authority—the best place for little children less than two years old is with the mother. I agree with the hon. Member that this is a matter both for compassion and the exercise of discretionary rights by local authorities.
§ Mrs. KnightWould the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that not only the county councils but all local authorities, if they cannot provide a full-time nursery service for such children, would do well to concentrate on providing a part-time service to enable the mothers to have to do less?
§ Mr. SnowI would not dissent from that. The authority is embodied in existing legislation, as I said.