§ 84. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the specially adapted houses for the disabled, which are to be built in selected areas in Northumberland, designed for the needs of individual disabled men and women; and whether he will consider giving special subsidies and extending the scheme over the country.
§ Mr. MellishMy right hon. Friend is aware of what some Northumberland housing authorities are doing to meet the special housing requirements of disabled people. Housing authorities generally have been encouraged to make special provision of this kind, most recently in a circular issued in September which made suggestions for adapting the designs of houses and ground floor flats at relatively small cost. Welfare authorities have power to contribute to the cost, as the Northumberland County Council is doing, and the normal Exchequer housing subsidy is payable. My right hon. Friend does not think a special subsidy is called for.