Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act

HC Deb 11 July 1978 vol 953 cc470-1W

44. Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he intends to seek to amend the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act.

Mr. Alfred Morris

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind an amendment that would alter the method of enforcing section 2 of the Act. I am now considering this, in consultation with my colleagues, and have put in hand a detailed examination of the implications of the Court of Appeal's recent judgment in the case of Wyatt v. the London borough of Hillingdon. The issues are complex and there will be a need to consult all the various interests concerned. In particular, I shall be arranging to discuss them with my hon. Friend and other representatives of the All-Party Disablement Group in the House.

Meanwhile, I shall continue the practice of investigating all individual cases which are referred to my Department. I shall also be continuing to emphasise the advice given to me that it is illegal for a local authority to remove a service from any disabled person without diminution of need.