HC Deb 26 February 2002 vol 380 cc1094-5W
13. Mr. Robathan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds in care homes there were in Leicestershire in(a) 1997 and (b) at the latest date for which figures are available. [34713]

Jacqui Smith

In 1997, there were 8,423 residential and nursing care beds in Leicestershire. By 2001, there were 8,263.

19. Mr. Hoban

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of care home places in south-east England. [34720]

Jacqui Smith

Since 1997 the number of residential beds in London and the south-east has decreased by 5 per cent. from 101,960 to 96,620. In the same period the number of nursing care beds has increased by 5 per cent., from 47,080 to 49,420.

Altogether, since 1997, the total number of care beds in London and the south-east has decreased by 3,000, a loss of just 2 per cent.