David Norris (Independent)

This is not a large sum. Moreover, a subvention is merely a top-up and if these figures are accurate, it seems to be extremely mean-minded.

The question of the home also arises. In a small number of cases, there is a possibility that people might be able to return home after some restorative care. It seems to be unnecessary in every case to sell a modest suburban home. It seems that under some of the Bill's conditions — Age Concern has expressed reservations in this regard — there could be pressure on older people to sell their homes, which would be a pity. In cases in which people who had a house were in a nursing home and died, perhaps there could be some mechanism for making up part of the money subsequently. However, I would leave them with the opportunity to return to the home, if that is at all possible.