§ 52. Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement on the progress she is making in separating pay beds from the National Health Service.
§ 59. Mr. Aitkenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she proposes to introduce legislation for the licensing of private beds outside the National Health Service as suggested in the consultative document.
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§ 71. Mr. Alan Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress she has made in consultation over the licensing of private beds.
§ Mrs. CastleAs indicated in my statement of 15th December—[Vol. 902, c. 971–9]—provided consultants accept them and resume normal working the Government are willing to introduce legislation on the lines of the Goodman proposals this Session. I am awaiting the official reaction of the medical and dental professions to the results of the recent consultants' ballot. I understand that the Council of the BMA is meeting tomorrow and I hope to be in touch with the professions later this week.
§ 57. Mr. Awdryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reduction she anticipates in the number of persons using National Health Service pay beds in 1976–77.
§ Mrs. CastleI cannot anticipate the effect of the legislation which was promised in the Queen's Speech, but I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my Statement on 15th December last—[Vol. 902, c. 971–9]—on private practice and the National Health Service.
§ 62. Mr. Goodhewasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what negotiations took place between her Department and the medical profession before the Goodman proposals for the phasing out of pay beds were announced.
§ Mrs. CastleI would refer the hon. Member to my statement on private practice and the NHS on 15th December last.—[Vol. 902, c. 991–9.]