HC Deb 26 March 1990 vol 170 cc46-7W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to make arrangements for those employed by regional or district health authorities, or National Health Service hospital trusts, directly or indirectly, who have direct or indirect financial interests in residential homes or nursing homes, to be required to register such interests.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

We expect health authorities to ensure that their employees declare any interests which may influence the way in which the authority discharges its responsibilities. It is for individual authorities to decide how this is best achieved. The same principle will apply to NHS trusts.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what reports he has received from health authorities about staff who advise patients on the availability of private residential care receiving commissions from private residential homes for referring clients; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

We have no record of any such reports.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to arrange for those private residential premises, who care for individuals in receipt of Department of Health and Department of Social Security support, to register for easy public inspection the names of those holding direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the home.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Part 1 of the Registered Homes Act 1984 provides for local authorities to make available for inspection at all reasonable times, registers of those persons responsible for carrying on a residential care home registered under the 1984 Act.