§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to enable finance to be made available from public funds to local authorities to enable them to provide sheltered accommodation to persons discharged from institutions for the mentally handicapped.
§ Dr. OwenI have been asked to reply.
Legislation exists for the provision of such accommodation in section 12 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. Expenditure of local authorities under this section (including the repayment of loans and interest) is taken into account in determining rate suport grant. Directly related financial grants would be inconsistent with the freedom of local authorities to determine their own priorities having regard to local circumstances and resources available.