Private Beds (Charges)

HC Deb 06 February 1967 vol 740 cc1104-5

42. Mr. Woodnutt

asked the Minister of Health whether any private bed charges were decreased during the two years ended 31st December, 1966.

Mr. K. Robinson

Yes, Sir. Complete information is not readily available but the number of decreases is likely to have been small.

Mr. Woodnutt

In that case can the Minister explain to me why there are so many increases? If some hospitals are able to decrease these charges, how can he reconcile the increases with the prices and incomes policy?

Mr. Robinson

I have answered the latter point, and the Question was about decreases. The fact is that certain factors had to be taken into account, in accordance with the Regulations, in calculating the cost of pay beds. I am statutorily obliged to ask for these charges to be revised annually in October, and that has resulted, inevitably, in increases in most cases, but decreases in a few.