§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will consider the possibility of introducing legislation to extend the existing system of standard and discretionary improvement grants to cover the additional facilities, or the improvement of existing facilities, required by disabled people to enable them to remain in their own homes ; and if he will make a statement ;
(2) what representations he has received in connection with extending standard and discretionary improvement grants to meet the special needs of disabled people in their homes ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonThe Department has recently received a letter from the Chairman of the Association of Disabled Professionals. I am naturally studying this with great care. As the hon. Member knows, adaptation of existing houses for the purpose he has in mind can be secured under Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 where authorities are satisfied as to need. In relation to local authority dwellings housing authorities have other additional powers. There would be considerable difficulties in introducing into the general improvement grant system specific provisions for meeting the special needs of disabled people.