§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the use of a Cabinet Sub-Committee as a method of pursuing cross-department policies in health; and if he will make a statement. [10178]
§ Ms JowellWe have received no representations specifically on the use of a Cabinet Sub-Committee in this way. The Government are however, committed to cross-departmental work to improve public health.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the United Kingdom had been living in(a) residential homes and (b) nursing homes in the most recent year for which figures are available for
Table 1: Residents in residential care homes for elderly and homes for the younger physically disabled at 31 March 1988 by length of stay—number and percentage in each duration: England (a) Homes for elderly people (b) Homes for younger physically disabled people Length of stay as at 31 March 1988 Number Per cent. Number Per cent. Under six months 47,400 24 1,000 14 Six months to one year 25,100 13 500 7 One to two years 39,600 20 600 9 Two to three years 27,400 14 600 9 Three or more years 59,400 30 3,900 60 Total (residents with unknown length of stay are excluded) 199,000 100 6,600 100 Source:
Department of Health "Survey of age, sex and length of stay characteristics of residents of homes for elderly people and younger people who are physically handicapped in England at 31 March 1988".
Table 2: Residents in and admissions to residential and nursing care homes, year ending 31 March 1996: England (a) Residential homes (b) Nursing homes Residents as at 31 March 1996 Long stay 275,800 145,900 Short stay 12,200 Admissions during the year ending 31 March 1996 Long stay 102,300 n/a Short stay 287,300 n/a Note:
n/a = not available—information on admissions to nursing homes is not collected centrally.
Source:
Department of Health annual statistical returns (RAC5 and K036).