HC Deb 13 June 1986 vol 99 c360W
Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many, and which, health authorities have sought an extension of the 1987 deadline for disposing of surplus housing stock, as provided for by his Department's circular HC(85)19.

Mr. Hayhoe

Health authorities have been asked not to implement any part of their plans for rationalising property holdings that involves giving staff notice to quit, and told that they will be given further advice about the implementation of plans when the National Health Service management board has completed a review of the conditions under which staff occupy residential accommodation. The requirements to dispose of all surplus property by 31 December 1987 no longer applies.

Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the text of his Department's advice to health authorities giving effect to his policy that no one living in National Health Service nurses' homes is to he made homeless as a result of rationalising the National Health Service residential estate.

Mr. Hayhoe

The advice has been published as circular HC(86)8. A copy has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish guidelines on what constitutes suitable alternative accommodation, with particular regard to proximity to work and its cost in respect of the programme of rationalisation of the National Health Service residential estate.

Mr. Hayhoe

These matters will be considered as part of a review of the conditions under which staff occupy residential accommodation which the National Health Service management board is undertaking. In the meantime, health authorities have been asked not to give any staff notice to quit without the approval of the Department.