HC Deb 13 April 1989 vol 150 cc701-2W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy on the installation of electronic monitoring equipment in residential homes for the elderly.

Mr. Mellor

The installation of such equipment is a matter for the local authority concerned together with the proprietors of independent sector homes. We would hope that any equipment installed would be consistent with the human dignity of residents, a homely atmosphere and the necessary human contact betwen residents and staff.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is his intention to introduce a system of care tests to ensure that elderly persons do not enter residential care unnecessarily.

Mr. Mellor

We are considering the case for introducing a system for assessment of need for residential care as part of our wider examination of community care following Sir Roy Griffiths' report. We hope to be able to bring forward our proposals on community care in the near future.