§ 81. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the number of beds unoccupied and understaffed under the Sheffield Hospital Regional Board is 73,432; that the patients' needs absorb only 15 per cent. of the total expenditure; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this unsatisfactory situation.
§ Mr. BevanThe hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. On 31st March the number of beds unoccupied through lack of staff was 3,432, and staff will be obtained to open them as far as this is possible. All the expenditure of the Board is incurred to meet the needs of hospital patients.