HC Deb 19 January 1971 vol 809 cc248-9W
52. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the number of elderly citizens on the waiting lists for accommodation in local authority residential homes in each of the 20 largest cities or county boroughs of England and Wales outside London; how many of those on such waiting lists have been there for periods of six months, of one year and of more than one year; and whether he will make a statement on the position in the country as a whole.

Mr. Alison

The information asked for is not kept centrally. Even if specially collected, it would not be very helpful. Waiting lists are compiled differently by each authority, and they are not in any case a reliable measure of need because the criteria for inclusion on these and the frequency and thoroughness of their review vary widely. It would not be possible to make a meaningful statement of the position in the country as a whole.