HC Deb 10 March 1971 vol 813 cc402-3
32. Mr. Douglas-Mann

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will issue a circular to local authorities drawing their attention to the need for adaptations to existing housing stock so as to make it suitable for the disabled when there is likely to be any substantial delay in providing adequate new housing under the provisions of Section 3 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970.

Mr. Channon

Housing authorities already carry out adaptations to their own existing housing stock to make it suitable for the disabled, and I do not think that a circular on this subject is required at the present time.

Mr. Douglas-Mann

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in a great many cases local authorities are extremely slow about taking action such as he has indicated, and that there is an acute need for accommodation for the disabled, which many local authorities cannot meet out of new accommodation? Will he reconsider his reply?

Mr. Channon

I certainly accept what the hon. Gentleman says about the need for housing for the disabled. A circular was issued last August on the matter. I shall consider whether another is needed, but I do not think that anything useful could be said now that requires a circular.

Mr. Waddington

Will my hon. Friend confirm that some local authorities seem bent on operating this very useful Act in a somewhat restrictive fashion? Will he try to prod them into some activity and try to encourage them to operate it very liberally? I have in mind in particular the powers under Section 2.

Mr. Channon

If my hon. Friend or other hon. Members will give me details I shall examine them. I entirely accept that it is a very valuable Act, which we wish to see implemented.

Mr. Freeson

Will the Minister undertake to reconsider his answer to my hon. Friend? As his predecessor, I gave an undertaking in Committee that the Departments would undertake a review of the advice available to local authorities on the subject from the then Ministry of Housing and Local Government?

Mr. Channon

As I have said, a circular was issued last August. We can always consider whether there is a need for another but at present I can see no evidence of such a need. I shall gladly examine any such evidence presented to me.