§ 59. Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what grounds the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board have recommended to him an increase in the number of pay beds at Selly Oak, Dudley Road and Wordley hospitals; and whether he will prevent this extension of private medicine in hospitals maintained at the public expense and ensure that the present number of National Health Service beds at these hospitals is maintained.
§ Mr. CrossmanI understand that the Regional Hospital Board have been considering proposals for private beds at Dudley Road Hospital and Selly Oak Hospital, where there is none at present.492W and additional private beds at Wordsley Hospital, but I have not yet received a recommendation from them.