HC Deb 10 March 1958 vol 584 c1W
2. Mr. Hale

asked the Minister of Health if he will state, as at the most recent convenient date, the number of beds in mental hospitals not available for use, being used for other purposes, awaiting renovations or repairs, or unusable because of shortage of staff.

Mr. Walker-Smith

In England and Wales at the end of 1956 3,005 beds were out of use, of which 1,221 were used for other purposes, 800 were awaiting restoration or redecoration, and 984 were unstaffed.