§ 17. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospitals have closed in the United Kingdom since 1979.
§ Mrs. CurrieInformation is not held centrally on numbers of hospitals closed. We do however, keep information on hospital facilities approved for closure. From 1979 to end December 1986,284 hospitals have been approved for closure in England. For closure outside England, I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and Northern Ireland.
Since 1987 (to date) some 230 schemes (costing £1 million and over, building and engineering costs) have been completed to provide about 22,000 new beds. In addition many smaller schemes have provided facilities in response to the care in the community initiative.