§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Health what increases have recently been made for private pay-beds in the hospital service; what percentage increase this represents; and if he is satisfied that it is consistent with the prices and incomes policy.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonHospital authorities revise their pay-bed charges annually in the light of costs in the previous financial year. Since I am advised that the annual revision, which was deferred while the implications of the prices and incomes policy were considered, is required in pursuance of the National Health Service Act 1946, I have recently told hospital authorities to introduce revised charges accordingly. As charges are based on costs at particular hospitals the effect of the revision of charges varies from hospital to hospital; in some cases there may even be a reduction.