§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to increase the number of pay beds in National Health Service hospitals in Scotland.
§ Mr. FairgrieveNot at present. Under legislation enacted by the previous Government in 1976, my right hon. Friend's powers to alter the number of authorised pay beds in any National Health Service hospital are dependent upon the making of recommendations by the Health Services Board on the advice of its Scottish committee. It is intended shortly to introduce amending legislation which will re-establish the discretion which my right hon. Friend was previously able to exercise in this matter.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of pay beds in National Health Service hospitals in Scotland and in Tayside health board.
§ Mr. Fairgrieve114 and 5 respectively.