HC Deb 13 February 1968 vol 758 c1132
16. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Health what action he is taking to increase the number of staffed beds in the hospital service.

Mr. Snow

My right hon. Friend's policy is to make fuller and better use of the beds in the service rather than to increase their total number.

Mr. Willey

Will my hon. Friend look at this again, because the fact that the number of these beds has fallen by 4,000 over the past three years is very disturbing? Surely this should have the greatest priority in the hospital service?

Mr. Snow

Again, these figures tend to be distorted somewhat by the fact that treatment for certain conditions such as chest disease, involving tuberculosis, and mental illness has resulted in a big reduction in the demand for beds. These factors have to be taken into consideration when judging the availability of beds.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many beds are closed due to the lack of staff?

Mr. Snow

Relatively very few. In point of fact, the staff availability is now greater overall than ever before.