§ 46. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Health what year is used as a base for estimating the number of geriatric beds needed in Essex; and what he estimates is the number of present requirements.
§ Mr. LoughlinThe needs are estimated on a current basis. 1,830 beds are at present needed of which 1,480 have been provided.
§ Mr. RidsdaleCan the hon. Gentleman say why, with present requirements, he is cutting back the money available for day hospitals and old people's homes?
§ Mr. LoughlinThis was a Question about geriatric beds. The hon. Gentleman is now putting a different question.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonCan the hon. Gentleman say how this shortage of geriatric beds compares with the position in other administrative counties?
§ Mr. LoughlinWithout notice, I would not be able to say how it compares with other administrative counties.
§ Mr. BraineIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the present geriatric provision and provision for welfare homes—and of course the two are linked—are inadequate and have been cut by recent refusals of loan sanction by the Minister? Is not this disgraceful, considering that the population of Essex is increasing by 30,000 a year?
§ Mr. LoughlinThis Question deals with geriatric beds and the hon. Gentleman has a later Question about welfare provision. Before he gets too excited, I must say that he should not imagine that this lack of provision has arisen in the past 18 months.
§ Mr. BuckIf the hon. Gentleman cannot answer half the Question, can he answer the other half and say what he is to do about the shortage of geriatric beds?
§ Mr. LoughlinIf that supplementary question had been put, I would have answered it. The board plans to remedy the shortage of geriatric beds by the following provision: 10 additional beds at Tendring; 100 beds at Westcliffe; 60 beds in the redevelopment of Orsett Hospital 34 and 56 beds in the new Basildon Hospital; and there are other provisions.
§ Mr. BraineWhile the Essex Members will welcome the news which has now been given, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that the Essex County Council has expressed very deep concern about the inadequacy of provisions for welfare homes? May I take this opportunity of asking the hon. Gentleman whether his right hon. Friend will receive a deputation of hon. Members from Essex constituencies, representing all parties?
§ Mr. LoughlinThe hon. Gentleman must not try to anticipate Questions that are on the Notice Paper. He is on the Front Bench and he ought to know that.