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Rehabilitation Centre, Egham

Oral Answers to Questions — Employment – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 8 June 1964.

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Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton 12:00, 8 June 1964

asked the Minister of Labour what action he is taking to reduce the waiting period of six months for applicants with epilepsy seeking admission to the residential rehabilitation centre at Egham, Surrey.

Photo of Mr Joseph Godber Mr Joseph Godber , Grantham

I am considering whether more residential accommodation is necessary at the Egham Unit, and the availability in other parts of the country of lodgings suitable for epileptics is being investigated with a view to other units taking some of those waiting for admission.

Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this operates very hardly in the case of people who are waiting? May I send him details of one of my constituents who has been told that he has to wait for six months? He is an epileptic case and is very anxious to be rehabilitated, and six months is rather too long to wait.

Photo of Mr Joseph Godber Mr Joseph Godber , Grantham

I have a great deal of sympathy in this matter, but these epileptic cases are very difficult. This is the only residential centre that we have for them, and we sometimes get waiting lists. I should be glad to look into any case sent to me to see whether I can help.

Minister

Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.