asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the communication from the Newcastle-on-Tyne local authority regarding the withdrawal of domestic staff from private nursing homes, he intends to recommend to the Ministry of Labour the need for the retention of staff?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service and I are fully aware of the need for domestic staff in nursing homes. Such staff are not withdrawn except in agreement with officers of my Department. Withdrawals are infrequent in the case of nursing homes with no more than adequate domestic staff. I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend whether any further action is called for.