PM quizzed over care homes plans

Hundreds of people attended the protest in Lichfield

Prime Minister Tony Blair has said consultation over the proposed closure of care homes in Staffordshire must be done "with a great deal of care".

Mr Blair was responding in the House of Commons to calls for him to intervene over the planned closure of care homes and day centres by the county council.

Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, asked Mr Blair to ensure that changes were "phased in over time".

The council said no decision had been made and it was consulting.

Mr Fabricant said: "While we recognise that change does have to come about surely it should be phased in over time.

'Listened very carefully'

"Many elderly people are worried about their future and have no relatives to look after them.

"What can the prime minister do to try and ensure that in Staffordshire at least this change is phased in gradually over time?"

Mr Blair did not answer the question directly but said it was "obviously important that the consultation happens in a proper way and I think (the county council) have listened very carefully to the representations that have been made on that".

He added: "But I think, as (Mr Fabricant) implied in his question, they also believe that it is right to make these changes in the interests of elderly people and those in residential care homes.

"But of course, it must be done with a great deal of care."