§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has, or representations he has received, alleging that some elderly people who cannot bath themselves are falling through a gap between their health authority district nursing service and their local authority social services; if he will issue guidelines stating which authority is responsible for running the service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department will make available funding to ensure that health authorities can provide weekly bathing services for all elderly people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellWe have received a copy of the Age Concern report on "Bathing Services for Elderly People in London". Our response to the report is under consideration. It is for local health and social services authorities in England to co-ordinate services, including bathing services, locally. It is also for them to decide within the overall resources available what is to be spent on these services. Our general guidance on community care management, to be issued shortly, will encourage and assist health and social services authorities to co-operate in the provision of care services for the elderly.