§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to extend to patients in private nursing homes the responsibility currently exercised by health authorities for supplying nursing aids free to patients in their own homes or in residential homes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonWe have no plans to extend to people in private nursing homes the discretionary arrangements under which health authorities supply nursing aids, free of charge, for people living in their own homes or in residential homes. Private nursing homes generally set their fees at a level which will cover the costs of any nursing aids they may need to provide.