HC Deb 01 December 1988 vol 142 cc379-80W
Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many appeals have been made by nursing staff in Calderdale against the regrading system; and how soon all these appeals will be heard.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We do not collect this information centrally. The question of when appeals will be heard is a local matter.

Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to increase the ratio of National Health Service beds to population in Calderdale to the regional average; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what plans he has to increase the ratio of full-time health staff to population in Calderdale to the regional average; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

None. Regional average figures of this type have no meaning. It is not possible to compare one district with another in this way because, for example, some districts have large mental illness or mental handicap hospitals which serve a number of health authorities whilst others have beds for regional or sub regional specialties. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman of the Yorkshire regional health authority for a more detailed explanation of the position locally.

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