§ Mr. LofthouseTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the recommended staffing levels by patient category in English hospitals; and what are the current staffing levels in hospitals within the Pontefract area health authority.
§ Mr. NewtonI have been asked to reply.
There are no recommended staffing levels by patient category in hospitals. Although regions have manpower staffing targets, the distribution between staff groups is a matter for regional decision.
I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport (Mr. Favell) on 31 March at columns 665–69 which gave staff in post figures by health authority.