§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many places there are in all homes for the elderly per 1,000 population aged 65 years and over in England;
(2) how many places there are in homes for the elderly in each county of England and in England as a whole.
§ Mr. Alec JonesAt 31st March 1974 there were about 105,000 places available in local authority homes for the elderly, and about 43,000 places in voluntary and private homes, of which about 14,800 were taken up by persons financially supported by local authorities.
In all there were 22.9 places per 1,000 elderly in England of which 18.5 places were provided by local authorities including those financially supported in voluntary and private homes. Returns showing the number of places available in each county in England as at 1st April 1974 are being compiled, and I will send the hon. Member the information as soon as it is available.