§ Mr. Abseasked the Minister of Health what is the present waiting list for general surgery beds in the Newport and East Monmouthshire area; how many beds should be available on the basis of the national rate; how many will be available on the completion of phase II of 89W the Royal Gwent Hospital; and, in the view of the waiting list and the industrial character of the area, if he will advance the date of the final phase of the Royal Gwent Hospital reconstruction.
§ Miss Pitt1,966; comparison of ratios of beds to population is not valid except in relation to larger areas; approximately 220; as regards the last part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 49 and 52 of Command Paper 1604.