§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospitals there were in the United Kingdom in (a) June 1979 and (b) February 1986, respectively.
§ Mrs. CurrieI am sorry I cannot give the hon. Member all the information he seeks in precisely the form requested. In 1979 there were 2,023 National Health Service hospitals in England. The corresponding figure for 1985, the latest available, was 1,862. These figures are based on a count of separately administered hospitals which provide residential facilities during the year. Day 609W hospitals and clinics are therefore not included. Figures for the rest of the United Kingdom are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, and my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many National Health Service hospitals of over 800 beds were built between (a) 1960 and 1970, (b) 1970 and 1980 and (c) since 1980.
§ Mrs. CurrieInformation held centrally shows that hospital developments, often built in phases, culminating in provision of over 800 beds were completed as follows :
Number 1960 to 1970 3 1971 to 1980 12 1981 to date 3 Overall, since 1981, 195 health building schemes, each costing over £1 million, have been completed.