asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much revenue was generated during 1977 by charges to private hospital beds in National Health Service hospitals; and what proportion of this figure represents profit to the National Health Service.

The accounts of health authorities for 1977–8 have not yet been received, but income from pay beds in 1977–8 is estimated to be in the region of £26 million. The pay bed charges are intended to recover the estimated cost of providing accommodation and services to private in-patients.