§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason her Department's advice to local authorities and health authorities on implementing "Caring for People" states that the current broad pattern of funding should be regarded as an implied commitment for 1993–94 by the local authority in respect of new clients requiring residential or nursing home care after April 1993.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe funds for such placements will transfer from the Department of Social Security to local authorities. Whether there should be any adjustment to the current pattern of service would be a matter for local decision which should be taken jointly with the relevant health authority. Individual assessment of need will of course determine the exact numbers of people who enter residential or nursing home care after April 1993.