HC Deb 22 February 1972 vol 831 cc1081-2
6. Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has for expanding Part III accommodation for the elderly; and if he will make a statement.

Sir K. Joseph

As I announced in the House on 22nd November last, I am making substantial additional loan authorisations available to local authorities to enable them to replace the former workhouses and other unsatisfactory buildings and increase their overall provision of homes for the elderly.—[Vol. 826, c. 957.]

Mr. Duffy

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. May I assure him that his intention is greatly appreciated in Yorkshire and Humberside where the facilities are appreciated by both patients and relatives and where the demand for places still considerably exceeds the number available. May I further ask him to bear in mind the tendency for these facilities to be used for borderline geriatric hospital cases? Will he invite hospital authorities to think seriously about their own provision in this respect?

Sir K. Joseph

Yes, Sir. I shall shortly be sending out to all concerned a new circular setting out guidance on the treatment of psycho-geriatric cases.