§ Mr. BendallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the approximate cost of the daily main meal for patients in psychiatric hospitals; and what is the weekly food budget per patient.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 24 July 1989]: The cost of providing daily main meals to hospital patients is not available centrally. The average daily cost of catering for patients in psychiatric hospitals in 1986–87 (England) was £2.53, of which £1.35 related to the costs of provisions. However, this excludes the costs of energy and utilities and accommodation overheads.
Figures for 1987–88 are not yet available.
Source: Costing returns submitted to the Department by health authorities.