§ Mr. S. HASTINGSasked the Minister of Health whether he can give the number of persons at present requiring treatment in the hospitals of London and unable to obtain it through lack of beds; and what he proposes to do to provide the necessary hospital accommodation for such people?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYNo information is at present available and considerable inquiry would be necessary to obtain even an approximate estimate. I propose, however, to ask the Voluntary Hospitals Commission to report on the extent of the additional accommodation required and the best means of providing it. The hon. Member is doubtless aware that provision of hospital beds is not within my statutory powers.