§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision the Government are making for residential and nursing care for the elderly in each of the next three years. [96754]
§ Mr. HuttonWe do not set a specific amount aside for residential and nursing care for the elderly. This is for health authorities and local authorities to decide upon, from within their overall budgets. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the total amount available to the National Health Service and to local authorities for 1999–2000 to 2001–02 in July 1998 when he published the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review. Copies are available in the Library.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to allow local authority social services to relocate elderly people in care without consulting next of kin; and if he will make a statement. [96751]
§ Mr. HuttonNone.
When relocation is being considered, we expect local authorities to consult with and take into account the views of the older people concerned, as well as their relatives or carers.