§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, following the action by hospital ancillary workers in Portsmouth, in respect of queue jumping, he will now take steps to phase out private pay beds in St. Mary's and the Royal Hospital; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephThere is authority for admitting up to 23 private patients to hospitals in the Portsmouth Group, including 17 to St. Mary's and the Royal Hospital, where I understand that such admissions are at present not being made because of industrial action. I see no reason to alter the existing authorisations.