HL Deb 17 April 1969 vol 301 cc191-2

3.15 p.m.

EARL FORTESCUE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper. I have to apologise for having framed it wrongly. It should refer to the geriatric departments of local hospitals.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the authorised charges against patients in local authority geriatric hospitals, whether the patients are entitled to pocket money and whether the patients' savings can be completely depleted to the detriment of their families and heirs.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY (BARONESS SEROTA)

My Lords, if the noble Earl is referring to geriatric departments in hospitals and not to residents in local authority homes, I would answer his Question in relation to patients. Those who are in hospital, either for short or long periods, are entitled to pocket money by way of supplementary benefit if they are without adequate resources. In determining such entitlement no account is taken of savings of less than £325, and much more than this can often be ignored, in some cases up to a maximum of £825. I hope that this is the information the noble Earl was seeking in putting down his Question. If it is not, perhaps he will write to me, and particularly if he is concerned about any individual case.

EARL FORTESCUE

My Lords, while thanking the noble Baroness for her reply, may I ask whether she can say what is the maximum charge per week which may be made? Further, can she tell the House what circumstances should arise before a demand is made on relatives to hand over to the Court of Protection former assets and savings of the patient who is in the geriatric department?

BARONESS SEROTA

My Lords, I still think we may be at cross-purposes here. No charges are made for patients in hospitals. I still feel that the noble Earl is probably concerned about elderly residents in local authority homes. The charges for care and accommodation in such homes are the responsibility of the local authority, and they vary as between the different authorities.