asked the Minister of Health if he has yet given consideration to the Report on Private Nursing Homes sent to him on behalf of the National Corporation for the Care of Old People; and what action he contemplates taking to deal with the present situation.

Yes, Sir: and the problems of registering authorities have recently been discussed with the local authority associations.

In view of the very disturbing report, and the fact that when the Minister answered my Question on 5th December, 1960, he said:

"I am at present considering suggestions for strengthening the powers of the registration authorities."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 5th December, 1960; Vol. 631, c. 853.]

does not he appreciate the vital importance of doing something very quickly to protect these forgotten people, in respect of whom the report shows a scandalous state of affairs?

I regard this as an important matter. That is why I have been discussing it with the local authority associations.