asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to sanction an increase in the rates paid by health boards to private nursing homes catering for long-stay patients.

The contribution payable by health boards in respect of persons resident in approved long-stay private homes was increased from £2.70 to £3.20 a day, or by 18.5 per cent, with effect from 6 April 1979.

When was the previous increase?

I am not sure I have that information.

Would it have been a year or two years ago?

I do not know.

The Minister does not remember?

It was not in my time.