§ Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his estimate for the number of hospital bed closures during the current financial year; and when figures will be available on an area basis.
§ Mr. DorrellWe do not routinely collect this information centrally, since bed numbers are not a good indicator of levels of service in the national health service. It is for each health authority to determine the level and mix of health service provision in its area, taking account of local circumstances and the increased resources available to them.