§ 16. Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he intends to implement Section 45 of the Health Services and Public Health Act, 1968, 24 which enables local authorities to assist all elderly people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CrossmanI am not yet in a position to announce a date for bringing it into operation.
§ Mr. AshleyIs my right hon. Friend aware that his brief and negative reply is deeply disappointing, particularly as a number of lonely old people have been found dead from neglect recently? Is he further aware that the Section of the Act which enables local authorities to help all old people needs urgent implementation?
§ Mr. CrossmanIt is no good making the provisions of an Act mandatory unless one simultaneously ensures the financial basis for making those mandatory powers effective. I would like to feel we could do so. At the moment I do not think we can.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanWe all appreciate the fact that the Secretary of State may find the financial position a little difficult, but will he do his best to speed things up, particularly as some forms of help which this Section of the Act enables to be given to old people would not only help the old people themselves but would also save the taxpayer money?
§ Mr. CrossmanI will certainly consider that point very carefully. I also have to consider that local authorities are finding it difficult to fulfil their obligations under other parts of the Act which are already mandatory and I am reluctant to put fresh burdens upon them.