§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what steps he is taking to cater for the needs of old people living in private residential homes which are forced to close; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what plans he has to seek powers to control the number of private residential homes and the charges they impose for their services; and if he will make a statement;.
(3) how many private residential homes have been closed down by local social services departments in Scotland during each of the past four years and in the first half of 1984; what reasons were given for these closures; and if he will make a statement;
(4) how many complaints he has investigated concerning old people being ill-treated or defrauded in private residential homes in Scotland since June 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayResidents admitted privately would have to make their own arrangements in the event of closure but assistance might be sought from the regional or islands councils' social work department. I would expect the social work department to take a close interest in alternative arrangements for sponsored residents.
Responsibility for registering private residential homes lies with the social work department; charges are a matter for the proprietor and the resident or his representative. My right hon. Friend has no plans to change those arrangements.
Social work departments are not required to inform my Department if registrations are cancelled and information about closures is not held centrally.
Allegations of ill-treatment or fraud would be for consideration by the social work department responsible for registering the home or for the police; no such complaints have been made to my right hon. Friend.