§ 43. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health if he will introduce legislation to extend public control over private nursing homes and homes for old people, and to provide local authorities with greater powers of registration and inspection in respect of such premises.
§ Mr. PowellI have no proposals for legislation at present.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the Minister not aware that several recent investigations have shown that conditions in many of these nursing homes established for old people are quite appalling, and will he not bear in mind the demand of the Society of Medical Officers of Health and other bodies that there should be greater powers for registration and inspection of homes like this?
§ Mr. PowellYes, I have noted the surveys and the evidence to which the hon. Member refers. Of course, there are already very considerable existing powers in the hands of local health authorities who can not only register but revoke registration in the terms set out in the Public Health Act. I am not satisfied that they are still fully using those powers.
§ Mr. RobinsonWhat is the Minister going to do about those types of establishment which are not technically nursing homes and, therefore, do not come under the existing powers of inspection? Is he aware that some of the worst conditions exist in just this type of establishment?
§ Mr. PowellYes, I am aware of that. The extension there would involve legislation.