§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will cause an investigation to be made to ascertain to what extent aged people are being admitted into and remain as bed patients in hospital when they could be looked after by their families and relatives; and whether some action could be taken to change this situation.
§ Sir George YoungSome elderly people remain in hospital for longer than is necessary, but many of these are too frail to be cared for by family or relatives, even with full support from domiciliary services, and discharge is possible only when alternative accommodation can be arranged. My right hon. Friend sees 767W no need for a special investigation: it is for the health and local authorities concerned to decide on appropriate action in each case.