asked the Secretary of State for Social Services which local authorities are not meeting their obligations under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act.

While it is for the courts to interpret the law, I am advised that local authorities have a statutory duty to meet identified and accepted cases of need and that it is not open to them to decide, in advance of needs having been ascertained, that they shall not be met. I take a close and personal interest in cases of alleged failure by local authorities to comply with their obligations under the Act. I also take every opportunity open to me to urge local authorities to maintain a satisfactory level of service and am sending my hon. Friend an extract from a speech I made on this matter at Ebbw Vale on 2nd September.