§ Dr. Millerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he intends to undertake a review of pay bed policy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossYes. After discussion with the Scottish Joint Consultants' Committee I propose to take certain measures including a review of the number of pay beds in hospitals, the introduction of charges for private out-patients, the abatement of charges when paying patients are temporarily absent from hospital, the introduction of pay bed charges on a national basis for different classes of hospitals and a system whereby a total164W number of pay beds will be approved in each hospital instead of particular beds set aside. The necessary amending legislation will be introduced when opportunity permits.