To ask the Secretary of State for Health when her Department last inspected the performance of Excelcare Ltd. in providing care for the elderly; and if she will make a statement (107522)

I am informed by the Chair of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) that Excelcare is a corporate provider which has 37 care homes, two domiciliary care agencies and one nursing agency registered with CSCI.

CSCI conducted key inspections of all 37 Excelcare care homes between January and November 2006.

CSCI will continue to monitor Excelcare homes and take action as necessary where it believes improvements need to be made.