§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many geriatric hospitals were closed in 1980 and up to the nearest available date in 1981.
§ Sir George YoungInformation about hospitals actually closed is not held centrally. During 1980 decisions were made to close permanently eight whole hospitals with beds entirely or mainly designated geriatric. Between 1 January 1981 and 31 March 1981 it was decided to close one such hospital. Not all these closures will yet have taken place. The hon. Member might also like to know that comparable figures for 1978 and 1979 are 12 and five respectively.