§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospital beds are available in Dorset, including Bournemouth and its environs at present and 10 years ago; and how many staff, other than doctors and nurses, were employed at the Winchester region and the Dorset area at present and 10 years ago, respectively.
§ Mr. MoyleThe latest available staff figures are as follows:
Whole time equivalent at 30th September 1976 Wessex Regional Health Authority Dorset Area Health Authority Administrative and Clerical 5,106.3 1,014.9 Professional and Technical 2,800.9 611.5 Ancillary 8,526.0 1,735.8 Works 139.5 27.0 Maintenance 890.0 136.0 Ambulancemen/Women 668.6 140.0 Comparable figures for 10 years ago cannot be given, since under National Health Service reorganisation on 1st April 1974 new health authorities were set up, having different geographical boundaries and wider areas of responsibility than the former health authorities.
I am looking into the question of hospital bed numbers and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.