asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take to relieve overcrowding at Chelmsley and Coleshill Hall hospitals; and if he will make a statement.

As a first step, arrangements have been made for immediate erection at Coleshill Hall Hospital of a demountable ward unit with space for 30 patients, and a number of other schemes for providing more space quickly at these hospitals are being considered by the hospital management committee, the regional hospital board and my Department.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the patients and staff at Coleshill. Hall are appreciative of the swift action which has been taken since his visit, but would he also agree that none of us can be satisfied until the grim conditions of both these hospitals are fully and effectively dealt with?

I would entirely agree. Of course, it should not be assumed that every time I visit a hospital a 30-bed unit will be provided. Here was a very unusual case. Staff morale was excellent and staffing was adequate. Overcrowding was the sole real problem. The giving of a ward enabled one to get flexibility for the upgrading of other wards. That was the reason why I gave the ward.