HC Deb 20 January 1983 vol 35 cc195-6W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has had any representations from regional health authorities seeking a change to legislation to permit them to run, at hospitals in their areas, hostels whose beds would not have full nursing care, but which would be available for patients travelling long distances to stay for courses of treatment and which would he suitable for outpatients if they lived sufficiently close to the hospital.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

No. Subject to certain restrictions, this is already permissible under the present legislation.