David Norris (Independent)

As my good friend, the Leader of the House, is aware from her own ministerial responsibilities, a number of people in Departments never receive the accolades they deserve.

Some years ago, an aunt of mine who had reached her 90s needed to enter a home. She decided on this herself and, while I was abroad, had gone in and out of a particular place, which turned her down. She was extremely upset because she thought it was because she was too old. I wrote to the home to ask whether that was the reason and in any event to let me know whether there was anything I could do for them, because it was such a wonderful place. They did their own baking and at Hallowe'en, the attendants dressed up as witches, which was good fun. Everyone knew one another and had their independence. They had their own little rooms in which they could have their glass of sherry.