HC Deb 04 August 1975 vol 897 cc32-3W
Mr. Fred Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations she has received from voluntary organisations concerning the refusal of local authorities to provide assistance under Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 when they have agreed that need exists; what replies she has given; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Several organisations have recently drawn attention to the mandatory nature of Section 2, in that, if satisfied that a need exists, a local authority is required to make arrangements to meet that need. I have already said publicly that I shall take up any case of apparent misinterpretation with the authority concerned.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action she has taken under Section 2(1) of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 to provide "general guidance" to local authority services departments to provide facilities available under Section 2 of the Act; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Meacher

This has been done in several ways: through our close and continuing contacts with local authorities, and those of our officials, in correspondence and in the frequent speeches made by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State with special responsibility for the disabled. Authorities are well aware of our views on the provision of services under Section 2.

Mr. Mayhew

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations she has received on behalf of the National Deaf Children's Society with regard to the mandatory nature of the provisions of Sections 1 and 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970; and what replies she has given.

Mr. Meacher

The Society wrote to my right hon. Friend at the end of last year asking that authorities should be reminded of the mandatory nature of Section 2, and it has received an undertaking that the Department would take up with local authorities any cases coming to our notice which suggest that they are misinterpreting the section.

Mr. Mayhew

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations she had received regarding the failure of specific local authorities to make arrangements for the provisions of services for handicapped persons, pursuant to Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970; what action she has taken thereon; and whether she will make a statement.

Mr. Meacher

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to my hon. Friend's reply today to my hon. Friend the Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Evans).