HC Deb 19 May 1971 vol 817 cc1246-7
8. Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will draw the attention of local authorities to the need for the provision of sheltered housing for single daughters and their elderly dependants.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Paul Channon)

Warden-serviced housing is intended for old people, and local authorities generally recognise the need for it. There is no reason whatever why an authority should not allocate two-bedroom housing with warden service to an elderly couple with a single daughter.

Mrs. Oppenheim

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is a very satisfactory answer? Does he not agree that the provision of such housing is highly desirable on economic and social grounds, because it enables single daughters to avoid considerable hardship by being able to work while still caring for their elderly parents in their own homes, and also saves the expense of local authorities having to maintain them in old people's homes?

Mr. Channon

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend.

Mr. Maddan

Does my hon. Friend agree that a great contribution could be made to the well-being of dependants by giving younger members of the family who are prepared to look after them at home grants for building an extra wing on the house or an annexe in the garden?

Mr. Channon

I should like to look at what my hon. Friend suggests. I think he is on a good point.