§ Mr. Gerry Fowlerasked the Minister of Health what plans Salop County Council have submitted to him for the closure of former public assistance institutions in the county and their replacement by modern residential homes; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonMy policy is that all such institutions should be replaced and closed as soon as possible, and in any event not later than 1976. The County Council propose to replace and close Morda House, Oswestry, by 1973–74 and the men's block at Audley House, Newport, shortly afterwards. I regret, however, that because of expenditure undertaken to improve Quarry House, Market Drayton and Innage House, Bridgnorth, and proposed for the women's block at Audley House, the Council do not propose closure and replacement of these three premises by 1976. I cannot accept that improvements can make these institutions acceptable by current standards, and I have again asked the Council to reconsider their plans.