HC Deb 16 October 1973 vol 861 cc80-1W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is satisfied that all local housing authorities are implementing the provisions of Section 3 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what proportion of new houses in the proposals submitted by local authorities since 29th August 1970 make special provision for the needs of disabled persons; and whether he is satisfied that the numbers adequately reflect the need.

Mr. Eyre

Between 29th August 1970 and 30th June 1973, 306 local authorities submitted proposals for 1,281 dwellings with special provision for the needs of disabled people. The number of proposals for all dwellings is not recorded but this figure is about ½ per cent. of the number of dwellings for which tenders were approved in the same period.

More housing suitable for disabled people is needed and we have made it clear that the Government rely on local authorities and housing associations to provide it. We are in consultation with the local authority associations and others about the terms of a circular on this subject which it is hoped to issue shortly.