asked the Minister of Health whether, as a result of his recent consultation with the Minister of Labour, he has any conclusions to state on the subject of the provision of domestic staff for private nursing homes?
My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service has instructed his local officers not to withdraw domestic staff in nursing homes except after consultation with my regional officers and with their consent. I have instructed my regional officers to consider each case on its merits, and if a particular nursing home is an essential part of the area's hospital facilities, to advise that it should be treated on the same lines as a hospital, so that the domestic staff there would all be reserved. If, however, there are redundant staff by hospital standards, agreement would be given to withdrawal of the redundant workers.