§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospital beds in England and Wales, and in Scotland, respectively, are at present closed, due to shortages of nurses or the absence of other resources.
§ Mrs. CurrieOperational management of hospitals is a matter for local health authorities. Whilst from time to time we become aware of temporary bed closures, which may occur for a variety of reasons, there is no central record for England or Scotland which is either comprehensive or detailed. A record is maintained for Wales: at 31 December 1986 (the latest record) 316 beds were closed because of shortages of nursing staff or other resources.