asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action she proposes to take to remedy the present shortage of geriatric beds in Northumberland.

All health authorities have been asked during 1976 to draw up long-term plans for development of their services. I understand that provision of a new geriatric unit of 50 beds at Berwick Infirmary to replace the existing provision of 40 beds is likely to find an early place in the region's capital programme.