§ Mr. Bryan Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the last review of Section 5 hospital pay beds was completed; what was the percentage of under-occupancy which was revealed at that time, the present number of beds to designated, and the under-occupancy by paying patients in the last year; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenThe last major review of hospital pay beds began in 1966, when average daily occupancy by paying patients of the 5,670 authorised pay beds was 2,830—50 per cent. There are now 4,570 pay beds, and this figure has not changed since the end of 1973. Average daily occupancy of pay beds by paying patients in 1973, the latest period for which figures are available, was 2,380—52 per cent.