§ Lord Pearson of Rannochasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will prevent the closure of any more long-stay hospitals for mentally handicapped people until the residents can be moved to accommodation where they will be at least as safe and happy as they were before.
§ Baroness CumberlegeProposals for hospital closures are subject to consultation by the local health authority, who should ensure that no person with learning disabilities is discharged from hospital until their needs have been assessed and arrangements made to meet them. These are issues best determined in the light of individual needs and local circumstances. Ministers intervene only where closure is opposed by the Community Health Council and they would then seek to ensure that the proposals will deliver a service at least as good as that provided by the long-stay hospital.