§ 20. Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding the trend towards mixed wards in hospitals.
436Wlocal authority and voluntary and other bodies. While local authorities have a statutory responsibility to inform disabled people of personal social services available for their benefit, this is also a responsibility of all bodies providing services or seeking to help in other ways.
I am anxious to improve the quality and comprehensiveness of information supplied, and this is a topic being studied as part of the follow-up to the seminar which was held at Sunningdale last year. If my hon. Friend wishes me to consider any specific suggestions I shall be glad to hear from him.
§ Ms. Colquhounasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many disabled young people there are of 16 years or over; and if he will give figures for the last five years.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisNumbers of registered disabled people in England have been as follows:
§ Mr. MoyleIn addition to correspondence from the hon. Gentleman, to which I shall be replying shortly, I have recently received about a dozen letters critical of mixed wards.