Mary Henry (Independent)

I support the call for a debate on the health service reports, but the crisis in hospitals is not being helped by some petty actions that have been taken. Many elderly people manage to maintain an independent living because of home helps. There has been a huge reduction throughout the country in the number of hours that home helps can spend with people. This is having a knock-on effect, meaning that those who could be independent at home are finding themselves in casualty departments. Some are trying to do work they are unable to do and others are being neglected. Will the Leader ask the Minister to come before the House to explain exactly how much money is being saved by curtailing the number of hours that home helps can spend with people? We will then be able to see if this is having a much more serious knock-on effect than was expected.