§ 39. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Minister of Health what is the average number of patients per doctor in mental hospitals and in general hospitals, respectively.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI regret that information in the form required is not readily available. I am, however, writing to the hon. Member.
§ Mrs. JegerCan the Minister at least say whether it is the fact that there is a disturbingly large number of cases per doctor in the mental hospitals of the country, and will he bear that in mind when considering the report of the Willink Committee which seems to suggest that, in a few years' time, there may be too many doctors in the country?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe point is that no analysis of medical staff by type of hospital has been made, which is what the hon. Lady asked for; but it would be possible to do a comparison in relation to departments, in other words, by type of beds. That is the information which I propose to send to the hon. Lady when I write to her.