§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the national function currently filled by each of the London teaching hospitals; and if he will list for each the number of beds not in commission in each on 1 October last.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTeaching hospitals, in London and elsewhere, generally perform a number of different functions. As well as providing services to the local population, through contracts with purchasing authorities, they offer a range of specialist services to a wider population on a regional and sometimes supra-regional basis. In addition, teaching hospitals fulfil a national function, in collaboration with the medical schools, as centres of undergraduate teaching and postgraduate training.
Figures on the number of beds not in commission are not routinely collected centrally as they are not a reliable indicator of service levels. If the hon. Member wishes to contact the hospitals concerned, they may be able to supply him with this information.