§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will amend the regulations whereby at present old people who need treatment in hospital and who, because of a shortage of beds in general hospital geriatric and general wards, are placed for treatment in local authority welfare homes, are charged for time spent in the home, so that in future persons thus treated are not charged.
§ Mr. AlisonLocal authorities are required by the National Assistance Act, 1948, to charge for this accommodation. My right hon. Friend has no power to make the change proposed.