HL Deb 25 April 2001 vol 625 c47WA
Lord Luke

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any plans to reopen the convalescent home at Osborne House, Isle of Wight, which was closed last year, in view of the shortage of National Health Service convalescent beds on the island and adjacently. [HL1770]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The former convalescent home has been deregistered and all the furniture and equipment disposed of. The Government have no plans to reopen the home. Even if the home were reopened, eligibility would continue to be restricted by the Osborne Estate Act 1902 to serving or retired members of the Armed Forces (and their families) and the Civil Service.

Lord Luke

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer in the House of Commons by Mr Alan Howarth on 11 May 1999 (col. 98), what plans they have for the future of Osborne House estate and garden, Isle of Wight. [HL1771]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

English Heritage will continue to manage, maintain and present to the public the Osborne House estate and gardens. Subject to Parliament's approval of repeal of part of the Osborne Estate Act 1902, a large part of the former convalescent home accommodation and the gardens previously restricted to convalescent home use will be opened to the public by English Heritage.