§ 1. Sir A. Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many additional beds he expects to secure for the National Health Service in North Wales by phasing out pay beds; and what representations he has received on this matter from individuals and organisations in North Wales.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Barry Jones)The use of 35 beds as pay beds has been authorised in the Clwyd and Gwynedd area health authority areas in North Wales. As these authorisations are withdrawn, the accommodation will become entirely available for NHS patients. Since the Goodman proposals were published my right hon. and learned Friend has received 11 repre- 2 sentations from organisations and individuals in North Wales.
§ Sir A. MeyerIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the total absence of alternative facilities if this exiguous number of pay beds is further pared? Is he aware that there will also be a grievous loss of part-time consultants on which the National Health Service in North Wales very much depends?
§ Mr. Barry JonesI cannot agree with the hon. Member when he talks about a grievous loss. The average occupancy of the 35 pay beds has been about 50 per cent. in recent years and the release of eight pay beds is not expected to affect significantly the amount of private practice.
§ Mr. D. E. ThomasIn view of the very low use made of pay beds in the whole of Wales, will the Minister meet the Welsh Committee of the Health Services Board as soon as it is established and suggest that it phases out all pay beds in Wales without further delay?
§ Mr. Barry JonesI shall certainly consider the hon. Member's first suggestion. Throughout the whole of Wales, which has a population of 2½ million, there are 60 pay beds. That might help to put the situation in context.