§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of their statement of 20th May last, that it is the duty of a local authority to provide Part III accommodation under the National Assistance Act immediately in case of need, and ascertain the parties liable afterwards, what is the proper immediate action to be taken by a person in need, or by a welfare worker on behalf of such a person, when a local authority fails or delays to provide it.]
THE EARL OF ONSLOWMy Lords, it rests with the local authority, in the first instance, to determine whether a person is in need of residential accommodation under Part III of the National Assistance Act, and, if so, whether the need is urgent. The Government have no reason to suppose that local authorities are not well aware of their duties under the Act, but the Minister of Health, under whose general guidance authorities exercise their functions under Part III, is always ready to inquire into any case brought to his notice in which it is suggested that a local authority have failed to discharge their obligations. The Secretary of State for Scotland asks me to say that he, too, is ready to inquire into any Scottish cases of this kind.
LORD SALTOUNMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Earl for that Answer, which will be of great assistance to all those in difficulties in this matter.