HC Deb 16 July 1990 vol 176 c409W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider introducing legislation to specify a maximum permitted number of beds in residential or nursing homes.

Mr. Dorrell

No. We see no need to specify in legislation the maximum number of beds in such homes. It is for local social services authorities and health authorities to specify the maximum number of people for which individual homes may cater, in the light of such factors as the premises, staffing levels and the quality of care which can be provided for residents.