HC Deb 25 May 1976 vol 912 cc117-8W
Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to amend Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 to enable him to assume responsibility for the provision of services to the severely mentally ill and mentally handicapped and also to the physically ill and physically handicapped; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ennals

I would not wish central Government to take direct responsibility for provision of personal social services. These are properly the responsibility of local authorities which are in a position to assess needs in individual cases.