§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he has given to health authorities on assisting patients to make use of mobility allowance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonExisting guidance on the management and use of hospital patients' money is contained in the "Hospital Memorandum on Patients' Moneys" (HM(71)90), which was issued to health authorities in November 1971. A copy of the memorandum is in the Library of the House.
We shall shortly be issuing for consultation draft revised guidance for authorities on the payment, management and use of long-stay hospital patients' money. One of the main aims of the guidance is to encourage the flexible use of patients' benefits, including mobility allowance, to enhance the quality of life of the patients concerned.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list by each district health authority the sums of money accumulated in patients' accounts in respect of mobility allowance; and if he will specify in each case the number of patients whose balances exceed £1,000.
§ Mr. NewtonI regret that this information is not available centrally.