§ 2.39 p.m.
§ LORD AMULREEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they propose to take to implement the recommendations of the Hospital Boards' Committees concerning the care of elderly patients in certain hospitals; and how soon these steps can be taken.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY or HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)My Lords, the Committees of Inquiry were set up by Hospital Boards and reported to them. The Boards are now considering the findings with the hospital management committees and will consult my right honourable friend the Minister of Health where necessary. 660 The findings of the Inquiries were not made known to the hospital management committees until they had been communicated to Parliament in the White Paper published on July 9, so it is really too early for the management committees and the boards to have completed their consideration.
§ LORD AMULREEMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for his reply. I appreciate the question of time in this matter. Would it be possible for some rather simple recommendation to be put into force, if not at once, then almost at once?
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, this is a matter for the Regional Hospital Boards. I am sure that if a recommendation is simple and involves no expenditure they will find no reason to delay putting it into force.