§ 92. Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware that the planned provision for geriatric beds by 1981 in the Southend and South Essex Hospital Groups is for a total of 598, that the number required based on the latest population projection figures will be 908; whether he is taking this deficit into account in the current revision of the North East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board's Hospital Plan; and when he expects that revision to be completed.
§ Mr. CrossmanI accept that improvement of the geriatric services in this area is a pressing need. I shall be paying particular attention to this in examining the Board's building programme, but improvement may not be limited to new176W building; the Board is considering in what way a neighbouring group, where there is a surplus of geriatric beds, can assist the South Essex Group.