To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has received concerning the problem of elderly mentally ill patients being mixed with elderly physically ill patients; and whether there has been any change in the guidance provided to local National Health Service management on the subject.

Since March 1987 the Department has received 47 representations on this issue. There has been no change in the policy indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend on 7 June, at column 565.