HC Deb 23 June 2003 vol 407 cc578-9W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the benefits of pay beds in NHS hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [120056]

Mr. Hutton

The first priority of national health service hospitals is to treat NHS patients. However, as long as it does not interfere with their NHS duties, providing accommodation and services to private patients can be a useful way for NHS hospitals to raise additional income to use for their NHS services.