§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many local authorities pay friends or relatives of young chronic sick and disabled patients between the ages of 16 and 60 years as home-helps ; which are the authorities that do so ; and what average wage these authorities pay for this social service ;
(2) what recommendations he has sent to local authorities on the payment of friends or relatives who care for the young chronic sick and disabled between the ages of 16 and 60 years ; and what response he has had to such recommendations.
§ Mr. CrossmanI regret that information about such payments is not centrally available ; nor have I made recommendations on the subject. I am however considering what further guidance I might give to local authorities about the home help service generally.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to abolish the distinctions between different categories of the young chronic sick and disabled ; and, in view of the fact that the present distinctions involve social injustice, if he will consider putting all young chronic sick and disabled persons, including housewives, into the same category as the industrially disabled.
§ Mr. EnnalsMy hon. Friend will find the Government's plans for benefits for the chronic sick and disabled set out in the White Paper published in July 121W (Cmnd. 4124). I do not think that anything can usefully be added to this before the publication of the Bill giving effect to these proposals.