§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, from 1970 to date, how many complaints were made to him of alleged defaults by local authorities under section 36 of the National Assistance Act 1948, indicating in how many cases the local authority was found to be in default and what action he took in respect of any such case.
§ Mr. NewtonApart from complaints in connection with the provisions of section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, the Department is aware of only one request since June 1982 to consider action under section 36 of the National Assistance Act 1948 in respect of an alleged failure by a local authority to fulfil its statutory obligation under the Act. The case was resolved without recourse by my right hon. Friend to use of his default powers. Information on any complaints in earlier years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.