Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many residential homes for the elderly there are in Northern Ireland in the private sector. [6109]
§ Mr. MossAt 31 March 1996, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 131 private residential care homes for elderly people in Northern Ireland.
Mr. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures he is taking to support the private residential home sector in Northern Ireland. [6113]
§ Mr. MossGovernment remain firmly committed to the people first community care objective that there should be a strong independent sector alongside good quality public services. In the area of residential and nursing home care, the independent sector continues to be the main provider of care. At 30 September 1996, 86 per cent. of residential care and nursing home placements made by Health and Social Services trusts were in private and voluntary sector homes.