§ 63. Dr. Leechasked the Minister of Health whether he will invite the local authorities concerned, either by scheduling a slum-demolition scheme or by stricter and closer supervision, to prevent more worn-out lodging-houses and old residences being converted into private nursing-homes in the area between Harley Street and Baker Street, Marylebone, in view of the fact that modernisation of such buildings does not render them completely sanitary or provide for a sufficient circulation of fresh air, or make them structurally suitable in surgical cases 575 where quietude for patients and comfortable accommodation for the nursing staff and a proper distance from kitchen annoyances are essential, nor provide means for the easy removal of patients in case of fire other than by the dangerous use of outside ladders and iron staircases?
§ Sir K. WoodThe London County Council have power to refuse an application for registration in respect of a nursing home if they are satisfied that the situation, construction, accommodation, staffing or equipment of the premises render them unfit to be used as a nursing home. I have no information that this power is not adequately exercised, but I have asked the county council for their observations on the subject-matter of the question, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.