§ 11. Mr. William Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are awaiting admission to hospitals in the Coventry Hospital Management Committee area.
§ Mr. AlisonThe total was 7,881 on 31st December, 1970.
§ Mr. PriceThose 8,000 or so people will be particularly interested in the illegal use of Health Service beds by consultants in the Coventry area, a scandal uncovered largely by Mrs. Theresa Stewart before she got the sack. Is the Minister aware that we are grateful that he has called for a report? But will he go one stage further and, instead of relying on people who have a vested interest, send in one of his own officials to do the job independently?
§ Mr. AlisonI have no doubt at all about the capacity of the regional hospital board to carry out a full and fair investigation into the alleged irregularities. It would be improper for me or my right hon. Friend to make any comments upon a case which is in effect sub judice until we have received the report.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsWill the hon. Gentleman please ask the regional hospital board to carry out a major public inquiry into the use of National Health Service beds for private patients in all the hospitals in its region? I am sure that he is aware that the figures of bed use are exceedingly disturbing. The figures he has just given of the waiting list suggesting the misuse—indeed, possible abuse—of National Health Service hospital beds in the region are a cause of grave alarm.
§ Mr. AlisonThe hon. Lady knows that we have asked for the report, and we must reserve views upon what action should follow until we have had a chance to read exactly what it says. She will be reassured to know that the total waiting list has decreased by as many as 750, 1172 which is 10 per cent. of the figure I have given, in the year since the end of December, 1969.