§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many unoccupied hospital beds there are in each English region.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe average daily number of National Health Service hospital beds which were available during 1982 but unoccupied are given in the following table. These figures are based on a midnight324W position in and out of work for the following family groupings: (a) single person, (b) married couple, (c) married couple plus one child aged three years, (d) married couple plus two children aged four and six years, (e) married couple plus three children aged three, eight and 12 years and (f) married couple plus four children aged three, eight, 11 and 16 years, on the assumption that earnings or previous earnings are (i) £75, (ii) £85, (iii) £95,
£105, (v) (£115, (vi) £125, (vii) £135, (viii) £145, (ix) £155 and (x) £165, using the rates of benefit and new entitlement levels due to take effect on 21 November and showing the approximate weekly value of tax refunds when sick or unemployed, and assuming average levels of rent, rates and work expenses.
§ Mr. NewtonI will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.