HL Deb 02 April 1974 vol 350 cc907-8WA
BARONESS MASHAM OF ILTON

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their policy in regard to the private voluntary hospitals which contract to place some or all of their beds at the disposal of Regional Authorities.

LORD WELLS-PESTELL

Since 1948 hospital boards have entered into contractual arrangements with private voluntary hospitals where these have been needed to supplement National Health Service hospital services. In September, 1972, the then Secretary of State for Social Services asked Regional Hospital Boards to consider the use of such arrangements on a more permanent basis, particularly for geriatric patients, the younger chronic sick and patients suffering from a terminal condition. At the end of 1972, about 3,560 beds were occupied by N.H.S. patients under contractual arrangements with voluntary hospitals. The Government intends to keep these arrangements under review in the light of developments in the re-organised N.H.S.

House adjourned at six minutes past eight o'clock.