§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set out the reasons why the average pay bed charge increased by 20 per cent. since 1979 after allowing for movement in National Health Service pay and prices; and if he will explain the basis for the calculation.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Corbynasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the guidelines published by his Department for (a) the provision of geriatric beds, (b) homes for the elderly and (c) home-help staff per head of the population in (i) urban and (ii) rural areas.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeDepartmental guidelines have been issued in the past but they are not appropriate to present-day geriatric practice. It is now widely recognised that the range and quantity of services required will depend upon a number of local factors, including demography, geography and the levels of other relevant services—statutory, voluntary and private—which are available.