asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will require teaching hospitals, which are assuming the rôle of district hospitals from 1st April next, to open geriatric rehabilitation facilities where none currently exists in these institutions.

Advice was issued to hospital authorities in December 1971 that approximately half the number of geriatric beds with associated rehabilitation facilities should be sited in district general hospitals. My right hon. Friend will expect all health authorities, including those responsible for planning services in areas which include teaching hospitals, to make suitable plans accordingly.