§ Mr BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons(a) the consultation process on free nursing care arrangements ran for four weeks and (b) the consultations on care standard regulations ran for 10 weeks. [13154]
§ Mr. Jacqui Smith[holding answer 9 November 2001]: Consultation on the care standards regulations lasted for a period of 12 weeks and this is the usual amount of time for carrying out a consultation. However, on free nursing care, it was necessary, exceptionally, to reduce the period of formal consultation to four weeks in order to ensure that individuals could benefit financially from these arrangements from 1 October. In recognition of this, extra efforts were made to ensure that those most interested were aware of the consultation. Many organisations were sent copies of the guidance and invited to comment. Requests to extend the deadline from individuals and organisation were viewed sympathetically.
§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health authorities, primary care groups and primary care trusts had not appointed(a) a nursing home co-ordinator and (b) a lead nurse by 1 November. [13158]
§ Mr. Jacqui Smith[holding answer 9 November 2001]: As far as we are aware, all the relevant English health authorities and primary care trusts have people in place to fill these roles.