§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will meet union representatives from Lancashire care homes to discuss the proposed closure of care homes by Lancashire county council. [55787]
§ Jacqui SmithI recently met the leaders of Lancashire county council and some hon. Members representing constituencies in the county to discuss the provision of care services for older people in Lancashire. I have previously met the Lancashire care association.
I should be happy to meet union representatives from Lancashire care homes to discuss their concerns about the council's plans.
§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the availability of residential care home places in Lancashire; [57286]
(2) the proposed closure of the Galloway's Home for the Blind, Penwortham, near Preston. [56692]
§ Jacqui SmithI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South Ribble (David Borrow) on 7 May 2002,Official Report, columns 17 and 18.