HC Deb 28 April 1949 vol 464 cc17-8W
15. Colonel Stoddart-Scott

asked the Minister of Health how many of the 60,000 beds at present closed for want of staff are in tuberculosis sanatoria, fever hospitals, general hospitals and other specialised institutions, respectively.

Mr. Bevan

The number of beds closed for want of staff in hospitals in Great Britain on 31st December, 1948, was 59,903, made up as follows:

Tuberculosis Sanatoria 5,669
Fever Hospitals 15,915
General Hospitals 21,642
Other specialised institutions 16,677
59,903

16. Colonel Stoddart-Scott

asked the Minister of Health how much of the £15 million required to staff and maintain the 60,000 hospital beds that are at present closed, he has included in his estimates for the coming year.

Mr. Bevan

The annual budgets of the hospital management committees do not specify separately anticipated expenditure on the re-opening of closed beds, so that I am unable to give the information desired by the hon. Member.