§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what liaison is maintained between local authorities, hospitals and Government Departments offices regarding the danger of hypothermia to the very young and the elderly.
§ Mr. AlisonThe danger of hypothermia is only one reason among many for close liaison arrangements between local statutory services and appropriate Government Departments, and those arrangements operate in relation to hypothermia cases as to others.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what guidance he has sent to local authorities concerning the danger of hypothermia to the very young and the elderly this winter;
(2) if he is satisfied with the services provided by local authority health and welfare departments to combat hypothermia; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will give an estimate of the expenditure of his Department in providing services to combat hypothermia over the past five years;
(4) if he will make a statement on his plans to combat the danger of hypothermia facing the very young and the elderly this winter.
§ Mr. AlisonThe most recent guidance was sent to local authorities in November, 1970, and I am sending a copy to the hon. Member. Authorities are well aware of the arrangements it is practicable to make, and we do not consider that further guidance to them would be helpful. Separate information about expenditure in this very small field of activity is not available.