§ 50. Sir G. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why only two of the members of the Oxford Regional Health Authority are from Northamptonshire.
§ Mr. MoyleMany factors are taken into account before my right hon. Friend makes appointments to regional health authorities, such as residence, age and background, and the need for continuity of experience. These are limiting factors and can work out in many ways. Of the 14 current members of the Oxford Regional Health Authority, two come from Northamptonshire. A third member from that county has resigned and has not yet been replaced.
1974–75 1975–76 1976–77 Social workers (ordinary) 39 84.5 85.8 Specialist social workers — 3 3 Senior social workers (recruited) — 4 — Home help (hours worked) 287,978 306,995 287,916* Meals on wheels (number) 156,655 169,250 168,790 Meals at old folks day centres 73,826 74,150 78,015 Holidays for elderly handicapped (Number of clients) 1,972 1,721 1,668 Placing of children in private and voluntary nurseries 65 45 46 Homes for elderly 8 9 9 Day centres 7 7 8 Training and occupational rehabilitation day centres 4 4 4 Homes for children 3 3 4 Day nurseries 3 3 4 * Although there was a drop in 1976–77,1977–78 is showing a rise—306,085 to date