HC Deb 23 February 1971 vol 812 cc293-4
8. Mr. Michael Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue advice to local authorities that they should make no charge for any alterations needed to make a house suitable for a home dialysis unit.

Sir K. Joseph

This is a matter for the local authority to decide in each case according to the particular circumstances.

Mr. Cocks

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, but would he not agree that here is a clear question of using powers under Section 29, since people who are dependent for the rest of their lives upon a kidney machine can, surely, be said to be chronically sick? Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider making this one of the first uses of his powers in order to clear up the invidious distinctions between local authorities?

Sir K. Joseph

I have no evidence that local authorities are not sensibly using their discretion to remit charges where necessary for those who have home dialysis units.

Mr. Molloy

Many hon. Members on both sides feel strongly on this issue, since we had great hopes of what would come out of the Act. Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that, when we put Questions and supplementary questions, we put them very sincerely, and will he in the circumstances ignore the asinine remarks of his hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Mrs. Sally Oppenheim) on Question No.5?

Sir K. Joseph

That does not arise from this question at all. I think that my hon. Friend's comments were entirely justified, though I added my own gloss on them.

Mr. Freeson

Will the right hon. Gentleman recall the difficulties which one of my constituents had some time ago when the London Borough of Brent at first refused to pay for the installation of such a kidney machine at home, and represented thereafter to the Ministry that, in its view, this was the Ministry's responsibility? I am not seeking to support that view, but may we have the Minister's view on the matter, before any further difficulties of this nature come in the way of people in my area or elsewhere?

Sir K. Joseph

I would rather study that case before commenting upon it. In principle, there is no reason why people who can afford to pay for the home alterations should not be allowed to do so.