§ Mr. Boscawenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present waiting list for geriatric beds in the county of Somerset.
§ Mrs. Castle:About 40, some of whom may reside within the boundaries of adjoining area health authorities.
§ Mr. Boscawenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans she has for increasing the number of geriatric beds in the county of Somerset; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Castle:The level of need will be taken into account in a strategic survey which I have asked all regional health authorities, with the co-operation of area health authorities, to undertake in the light of the White Paper on Public Expenditure for future years.