HC Deb 18 December 1972 vol 848 cc286-7W
Dr. Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will ensure that hospital authorities make available, under the National Health Service, beds for inoperable, terminal cases.

Mr. Alison

I am not aware of any general shortage of National Health Service hospital provision for those patients in the terminal phases of illness for which hospital care has been requested. Care at home is, however, often preferred by patients and their families, making use of the supporting community health and social services, both statutory and voluntary.