§ Mr. Waddingtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the large number of severely disabled persons now resident in old people's homes because of the shortage of geriatric beds in hospitals, he is satisfied that the staffing arrangements in such homes are adequate.
§ Mr. AlisonI do not accept my hon. and learned Friend's assumption that there is a general shortage of geriatric beds.
I am satisfied that in general local authorities are aware of the need for adequate staffing in old people's homes, and there have been increases in the total numbers of senior and night staff employed, though there are still shortages in particular homes.