asked the Minister of Health what proportion of hospital pay-beds are normally occupied.

Complete information is not available, but I understand that the proportion of these beds occupied by paying patients varies so greatly in different hospitals that no average figure would have any value.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that the regulations of his Department which demand that the charges should cover the entire costs of these beds are such that a great many people cannot afford to use them? Will he consider allowing off the total charge their normal cost in the ward?

I should like to see that question on the Paper.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it would be more in the nature of a comprehensive National Health Service if the pay-bed system were entirely abolished?

That was not the view of the previous Government; nor is it mine.