HC Deb 08 December 1997 vol 302 c454W
Mr. Randall

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the recent Audit Commission report. "The Coming of Age: Improving Services For Older People". [18137]

Mr. Boateng

We welcome the publication of the Audit Commission's report "The Coming of Age: Improving Care Services for Older People". The Department has already looked in detail at the recommendations made in the report and these will contribute to work we already have in hand, which is actively addressing issues of particular concern to elderly people. This area includes the Long-Term Care Charter and the Royal Commission on long-term care for the elderly, announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 4 December. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already issued instructions to health authorities, the National Health Service and local authorities on services for the elderly setting out priority areas to meet their medium and long-term needs.