§ Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Health why the number oil beds in hospitals within the area of the Sunderland Management Committee, unoccupied owing to shortage of nursing staff, has increased from 28 on 1st April, 1952, to 44 at present.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe figures quoted by the hon. Member are not comparable. In April, 1952, there were in the group 80 beds unavailable for various reasons,6W including 28 for lack of nursing staff. The comparable figures for the present time are 44 and none.