HC Deb 05 May 1958 vol 587 cc825-6
15. Mr. John Hall

asked the Minister of Health if he will abolish hospital private beds and replace them by the same or greater number of amenity beds.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)

No, Sir.

Mr. Hall

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the demand for these amenity beds by those to whom privacy is essential for speedy recovery is far greater than the number available? As a result, they are being forced into private beds at a very great and sometimes extortionate cost? Will he reconsider his decision?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I am always prepared to consider proposals both for private or amenity beds where this is possible and where, in the view of the regional hospital board, there is a demand, but I would point out to my hon. Friend that there is still a demand for private treatment, and I do not think it would be appropriate to go back on the decision which the House took in this regard in 1946.