asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy towards using the powers provided under section 36 of the National Assistance Act 1948 to require local authorities to perform the duties placed upon them under section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.

If any case is referred to my right hon. Friend in which there is evidence that an authority may be in breach of the duties imposed by section 2 of the 1970 Act in a particular instance I will look into the matter and take all appropriate action.