HC Deb 25 January 1990 vol 165 cc856-7W
Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many secure units exist in each region and for England as a whole in National Health Service hospitals; and what was the number of beds in secure units for each year since 1979.

Mr. Freeman

There are now 21 regional secure units (RSUs). All regions have at least one, except South West Thames which is at an advanced planning stage. South Western and North Western RHAs each have two secure units, Oxford has three and South East Thames has five. The remaining nine regions have one each. Because of changes in the way the information has been collected since 1980, when the first permanent RSU was opened, it is not possible to provide comparative figures over time. In 1989 there were 660 available and staffed beds in RSUs, including interim units.

Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give for each year since 1979 and for each district health authority, Scottish health authority, regional health authority and for England the numbers of(a) acute beds and (b) non-acute beds.

Mr. Freeman

Information for 1988–89 has been placed in the Library. For the information for 1979 to 1987–88, I refer the hon. Member to figures which were placed in the Library in connection with my reply to him of 16 May 1989 at column145. Figures for Scotland are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.