HC Deb 16 May 1977 vol 932 c47W
Mr. George Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services for what reasons he considers that no account should be taken of the cost of treating in other hospitals patients who would have been treated at St. Marks but for the closing of one women's ward, in calculating the savings resulting from the closing of that ward.

Mr. Moyle

Beds have been temporarily closed at St. Marks in order to reduce the rate of spending and assist the City and Hackney Health District to maintain its allotted cash limit. The reduction in the rate of spending in the District, which has been quoted as a saving there, cannot be affected by the cost of treating a patient outside it.