§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the final version of the national minimum standards for homes for older people; and if he will make a statement on the consultation process, including who was consulted, in formulating compensatory quality standards contained in the final version. [149843]
§ Mr. HuttonWe consulted extensively on the proposals for care homes for older people, set out in the consultation document "Fit For The Future?"; the formal consultation period ended in January 2000. Following this, we consulted provider organisations, and in particular smaller providers, and other interested parties, and achieved broad agreement for the flexibilities we announced last year. These decisions should ensure that any improvements in the quality of care homes necessary will be achieved smoothly, and that stability in the care homes sector and sufficient capacity is maintained while changes are made. We intend to publish the finalised standards shortly.