§ Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his Department's control of private nursing homes carrying out treatment for termination of pregnancy and of pregnancy advice bureaux referring patients to them.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe Department keeps a watch on what is happening through its investigations by medical, nursing and other staff. My right hon. Friend intends that this strict control should be maintained. There are advantages, however, if approval for nursing homes under the Act is in future for periods of two years instead of one year; and that registration of pregnancy advice bureaux is for three years instead of 18 months. This will in no way affect the level of our control. Approval or registration may be withdrawn at any time if a nursing home or bureau fails to meet the standards of care and conduct required.