§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement concerning the growth in use of private nursing homes in community care programmes.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyIn our White Paper "Caring for People" we are firmly committed to a policy of community care which provides dignity and choice to the frail and vulnerable. While for most people this will be achieved by continuing to live in their own homes, others would benefit from care in a more supportive environment. We welcome the growth of private nursing home provision and believe that this sector will continue to play an important part in meeting people's care needs along with other providers.