HC Deb 20 May 1986 vol 98 cc131-2W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if the Government's health care scheme will lead to a reduction in the number of hospital beds needed in Welsh hospitals.

Mr. Mark Robinson

The Government's policies are aimed at providing appropriate, accessible and cost-effective health provision to a high standard. The Government's recent consultative paper "Primary Health Care: An Agenda for Discussion" explores ways in which the primary care services can be improved. The document is not directly concerned with hospital provision. However, improvements in primary care, including the promotion of good health and preventive medicine, have a bearing upon future hospital provision.