§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospital beds are now occupied by people aged (a) 65 years and over and (b) 75 years and over.
§ Mr. NewtonI am sorry I cannot give the hon. Member the information in the form he seeks. The available information is given in the table.
Beds occupied by elderly people, NHS hospitals. England, 1986 Sector 65 years and over 75 years and over Non-psychiatric1 93,000 64,000 Mental handicap2 (excluding community units). 5,315 2,042 Mental illness2 34,341 21,513 1 Estimated daily average. 2 Number of beds occupied on 31 December.