§ Mr. Hilary BennTo ask the Secretary of State for Health further to his written answer of 19 April 2000,Official Report, column 512W, when he expects to make an announcement on research into the impact on life expectancy of the closure of residential homes for the elderly. [130223]
§ Mr. HuttonWe are aware that when residential homes close, elderly residents may be affected. However, when such a decision is made, it is essential that there should be proper arrangements for the safe and satisfactory transfer of all residents to other suitable homes in a way which creates the minimum possible discomfort to all concerned.
We take research into life expectancy seriously. This is an issue that the Office for National Statistics tracks carefully and we are considering investing in a longitudinal study to give us information on life expectancy. However, we have concluded that research into life expectancy that focuses narrowly on the closure of residential homes cannot be a priority for public funding. It would be unlikely to have an impact on the life of elderly people or decisions about the closure of homes.