To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from NHS England on bed shortages over the winter period.

The Department has had no representations from NHS England on bed shortages over the winter period.

NHS England publishes figures on bed availability and bed occupancy on a quarterly basis.

The bed occupancy rate (for all beds open overnight) has remained relatively stable, rising in the winter months as we would expect, but remaining between 84 and 88% since 2000.