§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in how many local authority areas there is no local register of those most at risk amongst the elderly; and whether she will now take steps designed to see that all local authorities will compile such a register as soon as possible.
§ Dr. OwenHealth and social services authorities are well aware of the need to identify old people at risk but they are not required to compile formal registers of such people. I do not intend to introduce such a requirement, as I consider that the resources needed for the introduction and maintenance of registers are better used in providing services for old people.