§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Health how many beds were available on 5th July, 1948, in the hospitals, excluding mental hospitals, under the Leeds 52W Regional Hospital Board; how many were occupied; what are the corresponding figures at the present time; how many cases are awaiting admission; and what reduction there has been in the number of beds available for the chronic sick and infirm.
§ Mr. BevanThe number of beds available—i.e. staffed—on 30th June, 1948, in the hospitals, excluding mental hospitals and mental deficiency institutions, now under the Leeds Regional Hospital Board was 15,516, of which 13,230 were occupied. The corresponding figures at 31st December, 1948, were 16,087 and 12,442 respectively. The number of cases awaiting admission in December was 13,933. There has been no reduction in the number of beds available for the chronic sick and infirm.