HC Deb 01 December 1971 vol 827 cc417-8
6. Mr. Alexander Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to encourage all local authorities in Scotland to compile a register of disabled persons, single or married, who are in need of special fitted housing.

Mr. Younger

My right hon. Friend has already given in circulars to local authorities guidance and technical advice on the special housing needs of the disabled and the elderly, and he is encouraging authorities to obtain all relevant information about the severely disabled in their areas.

Mr. Wilson

I am semi-satisfied with that answer. Is it not a fact that the Government should now instruct local authorities to provide special fittings in existing houses and to include in any future housing development facilities for the disabled and the aged? Is it not time that the Government recognised that although they are empowered to give instructions to local authorities and elected representatives of local authorities on the rents they charge, they should now instruct local authorities to compile the necessary register of disablement in regard to future development?

Mr. Younger

I would not accept all the hon. Gentleman says, but I accept the need to encourage local authorities to do all they can to provide suitable housing for the old and disabled. On the particular point made by the hon. Gentleman, I have no evidence to suggest that local authorities are not fulfilling this need, but I do not feel that the establishing of a register, although it would be helpful, is essential before work can proceed. I hope local authorities will proceed as quickly as possible.

Mr. Douglas

Would the hon. Gentleman consider giving special assistance to local authorities through improvement grants to improve houses in which disabled people are at present residing?

Mr. Younger

Those grants are given under special Acts and are available for improvement only. I have no evidence to suggest that local authorities find it difficult financially to undertake this work; indeed, many are carrying out large programmers of this kind.

Mr. Ross

In view of the obvious interest in the House on this matter, will the hon. Gentleman ask the Secretary of state to make a report to the House on progress of the work under the Act?

Mr. Younger

The right hon. Gentleman may be interested to know that since: the introduction, at the end of last year, of the statutory requirement for local authorities to identify this type of housing, I have received information about five different schemes, and I hope that more will be submitted. Local authorities do not require my consent for the special adaptation of existing houses, and I know that much has been done on that aspect, too.