§ 15. Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will make a statement on her policy towards abolition of pay beds in NHS hospitals.
§ 20. Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will make a statement on her plans for the future position of private fee-paying facilities in the health services.
§ Mrs. CastleI fully explained the position in my replies to the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Surrey, East (Sir G. Howe) on 3rd and 8th July. It is our declared policy to phase private pay beds out of the NHS, but to do this in an orderly way and after the fullest discussions with those most directly concerned.