HL Deb 15 February 1971 vol 315 cc349-50
LORD ROYLE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can report what action has been taken by local authorities to implement the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY (LORD ABERDARE)

My Lords, different local authorities have a variety of duties under the Act. No section came into force until August 29 last, and some sections have yet to be implemented. It is therefore too early to assess the action of local authorities.

LORD ROYLE

My Lords, in thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask him whether what we have read in the Press is true, that in many local authorities there is undue delay in implementation? Further, is it not a fact that since August six months have expired, and as this was to be a charter for disabled people, should not greater progress have been made by authorities? Will the Minister see to it that that progress is made?

LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, I would not accept that there is any undue delay. I am quite sure that local authorities are doing their best to implement the provisions of the Act. A joint circular drawing the attention of the local authorities to their duties under the Act was issued last August by the Departments principally concerned and, as the noble Lord may be aware, further money has been made available in the new rate support grant negotiations, which I hope will enable local authorities to make further progress in the coming year.

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

My Lords, in view of the fact that the first step, surely, is to compile a register, could the noble Lord say how many local authorities have failed to take that first step?

LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, I do not accept that there is a requirement to compile a register under the Act. Section 1 of the Act, which is concerned with the compilation of a register, has not yet come into operation.

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, can the noble Lord say how much additional money has been granted for this purpose, and whether it is lack of money, either in the local authorities or Central Government, that is causing the delay?

LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, I do not accept that there is a delay. In the rate support grant negotiations there was a substantial addition, to enable health and welfare services to be increased, of £5 million in 1971–2 and £6 million in 1972–3.

LORD ROYLE

My Lords, may I ask one more question? By the time the Act has been on the Statute Book for 12 months, which will be in May, will Her Majesty's Government issue a report as to what each local authority has done towards its implementation?

LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, I cannot undertake to do that. Certain sections of the Act, including Section 1, are not yet in operation. There are requirements under the Act that certain reports be made, and these will be made as required.

LORD LEATHERLAND

My Lords, the noble Lord said that an additional £5 million had been set aside in the rate support grant for health and welfare. Was that £5 million specifically for the implementation of this Act, or was it in connection with the natural and general growth of health and welfare services?

LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, it was for the general growth of health and welfare services of local authorities, many of which will be in connection with this Act.

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