§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what proposals she has for the improvement of services and amenities for the aged in Burton-on-Trent;
(2) what proposals she has for the improvement of services and amenities for the aged in the East Staffordshire district excluding Burton-on-Trent.
§ Dr. OwenLocal improvements in these areas are the responsibility of the Staffordshire County Council, the West Midland Regional Health Authority and the Staffordshire Area Health Authority. I understand that a three-year plan for the social services throughout the county will be submitted shortly to the appropriate committees of the county council. It is expected that loan sanction will be available this year for a new elderly persons' home of 50 beds at Burton-on-Trent. Hospital services specifically for the aged in East Staffordshire and Burton-on-Trent are provided at Burton District Hospital Centre, where a new 140–bed and 50 day-patient unit is presently under construction at an estimated cost of some £850,000. This should be in use in late 1975 when it will be possible for the area health authority to consider the closure of some older accommodation.