HC Deb 02 April 1968 vol 762 cc62-3W
Mr. Maurice Macmillan

asked the Minister of Health what is the total number of home helps employed by local authorities at the latest available date, after 30th September, 1966; and whether he will publish figures showing the changes in the numbers so employed over the last five years to this date.

Mr. K. Robinson

31,989 (in whole-time equivalents) in England and Wales at 30th September, 1967. Numbers for the previous four years were:

31st December, 1963 27,311
31st December, 1964 28,237
31st December, 1965 29,039
30th September, 1966 30,244

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

asked the Minister of Health whether the study of the operation and demand for the home help service has been completed; and what areas of the country have been studied.

Mr. K. Robinson

An interim report is expected later this year. A postal inquiry has been made of all local health authorities in England and Wales, and in a representative sample of areas home help organisers, home helps, recipients of the service and members of the general public have been interviewed.