HC Deb 24 July 1924 vol 176 c1530W
Mr. DARBISHIRE

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of hospitals now under the administration of the Ministry; the number of beds occupied and vacant; and the total annual expenditure incurred in maintaining these hospitals, including medical staff, etc.?

Mr. ROBERTS

The present number of Ministry hospitals is 33, the number of occupied beds 6,249 and of vacant beds 1,188. This latter figure is temporarily in excess of the normal number of vacant beds which must be kept for the change of patients. This is due to the fact that certain hospitals, no longer required, are being vacated, but are still partially occupied pending evacuation. The expenditure by the Ministry in maintaining these hospitals is estimated at £755,000 for the present financial year.