§ Mr WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many local authorities in England and Wales currently insist that owners of small homes for residential care inform them of their presence; how many local authorities have a register for such information; if he will make it compulsory for all residential home owners serving the vulnerable in society to inform their respective local authorities; and if he will make it compulsory for all local authorities to keep a register of these homes.
§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward legislation making it compulsory for local authorities to assess all intending providers of residential care and, if approved, place them on a register.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyUnder part 1 of the Registered Homes Act 1984 the owners of private and voluntary residential care homes catering for four or more residents are required to register with the local social services authority. There are no plans at present to extend this requirement to cover homes with fewer than four places. Information on any records held by local authorities of such homes is not held centrally.