HC Deb 06 November 1973 vol 863 cc785-6
6. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will seek powers to subsidise the Meals on Wheels service so that it may be made available on a seven-day-a-week basis to all those elderly and disabled people who need it.

Mr. Alison

Local authorities' expenditure on meals services is already subsidised through rate support grant arrangements. In a number of areas a daily meals service is being provided for some people.

Mr. Janner

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that for many people, the elderly and disabled in particular, Meals on Wheels provides not merely food but their only contact with the world? It is at weekends and Christmas, when most of them do not get the service, that they need it most. What do the Government propose to do about it?

Mr. Alison

The Government propose to follow the pattern of increases which has already been registered. For example, the number of people known to be receiving the service on a seven-days-a-week basis has increased from 1,361 in 1970, to no fewer than 2,343 in 1972—a rise of nearly 100 per cent. Nevertheless, quite properly the choice remains with local authorities—which have complete command over the resources—whether they give a number of meals to a larger number of people on fewer days a week or a seven-days-a-week service to fewer people.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a deeply important question? Why should elderly and severely disabled people be left high and dry, and hungry, as well as lonely, often at weekends? If further Exchequer support is required, will the Secretary of State make urgent representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Mr. Alison

I am sure the hon. Gentleman knows that the Exchequer support which goes to local authorities is a matter for the rate support grant negotiations which are going on at present. Within the global sums allocated, it is up to local authorities to take note of precisely the point made by the hon. Gentleman—that there may be merit in increasing the number of weekend services at the cost of some other service, which would have to be cut back. The choice lies with the local authorities.