HC Deb 03 February 1949 vol 460 cc254-5W
85. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Health whether a patient occupying a bed in a pay ward is required to undertake, in advance, to vacate the bed if it is needed for an urgent case; and if, in that event, any refund is payable.

Mr. Bevan

I have given no instructions to hospitals to require an undertaking of the kind referred to by the hon. Member. If a patient occupying a private pay bed under Section 5 of the Act agrees to be moved into a general ward bed in order to make room for another patient who requires privacy on medical grounds he will, of course, pay no charges in respect of the remainder of his stay in the hospital.