§ Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the growing difficulty in North-West Kent of finding places in hospitals for old people which is causing much hardship and distress; and what is being done to deal with this problem.
§ Mr. MarquandYes. The regional hospital Board have asked that at least 10 per cent. of the beds in each general hospital should be set aside for the aged chronic sick and additional beds have been and will be provided so far as the nursing staff available permits. Arrangements have also been made for private institutions to take a considerable number of the patients.