Long-term Care

HC Deb 01 March 2000 vol 345 cc320-1W

Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Long-Term Care; and if he will make a statement. [111999]

Mr. Hutton

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 2 December that the Government were broadly accepting one of the Royal Commission's main recommendations by establishing a National Care Standards Commission. We are also implementing several of the Royal Commission's other recommendations—such as extending direct payments to people over 65. We are looking at other changes as part of the Year 2000 Spending Review, which will be completed this summer. We will then publish a White Paper.