HC Deb 30 March 1983 vol 40 c198W
Mr. Concannon

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with current Department of Health and Social Security hospital bed norms; and if he intends revising the bed norms upwards or downwards.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Guidelines issued by the Department on the ratios of different types of hospital bed to the population served have never been meant to determine local provision exactly. I have no plans for any general adjustment of the figures.