§ 28. Mr. Simon Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the present provision of hospital beds within the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
380W
§ Mr. WhitneyThe number of beds must be a matter for decision by each health authority as part of an overall judgment on the pattern of services which need to be provided. It will also be affected by clinical decisions by doctors about individual cases. Experience over the last decade has shown that it is possible to treat far more patients with fewer beds.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many National Health Service beds are available at the latest available date.
§ Mr. WhitneyI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 11 November 1985 at columns94–95. Figures for 1985 are not yet available.