§ Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the estimated cost of extending the period during which a retirement pensioner can stay at an NHS hospital without a reduction in his pension from eight weeks as at present to 16 weeks.
§ Mr. MeacherI regret that data which would enable this particular estimate to be made are not available. We can only make an estimate for periods of eight to 52 weeks on the one hand, and of over 52 weeks on the other; and on this aspect I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) on 29th October.—[Vol. 898, c.520–21.]