§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many inspectors are available for the inspection of private residential homes; and what qualifications are required of them.
§ Mr. WhitneyInspection of these homes is the responsibility of local social services authorities and information is not collected centrally about the numbers of staff so engaged. Qualifications for these staff are not prescribed but advice on the knowledge and skills required of inspectors is contained in section 6 of the code of practice for residential care, "Home Life', which was drawn up by an independent working party and circulated with the endorsement of my right hon. Friends, the Secretaries of State for Social Services and for Wales, to all local authorities. A copy of "Home Life" is in the Library.
§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking, in the light of the decision of a registered homes tribunal on 4 June, to ensure that money paid by his Department into privately run homes is not misappropriated.
§ Mr. MajorThe tribunal decision drew attention to the rules relating to appointees which are in paragraphs 9520 to 9560 of the S manual, a copy of which is in the Library. The existing rules provide for the withdrawal of the authority for one person to act for another when there is doubt whether benefit payments are administered in a satisfactory manner.