HC Deb 08 February 1982 vol 17 c262W
Mr. James Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales why the proposal to introduce 12 pay beds into the hospitals of the South Glamorgan area health authority has not been put out for consultation with the interests concerned.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

I am satisfied there was adequate consultation with interested bodies.

Mr. James Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what evidence is in his possession that there is an unmet demand for pay beds in the hospitals of the South Glamorgan area health authority.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

There is evidence of demand in the use made of pay beds wherever they are authorised in Wales and in English teaching hospitals. Such demand was unmet in South Glamorgan while there were no pay beds authorised in its teaching hospitals.

Mr. James Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether the provision of 12 pay beds in the hospitals of the South Glamorgan area health authority will reduce the number of 6,500 patients awaiting hospital treatment in the area.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

The tiny proportion of beds authorised for private patients cannot have more than a minimal effect.