§ 7. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the growing waiting lists at Cardiff hospitals; and when he expects building operations to commence in connection with the proposed new training hospital in Cardiff.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodMy information is that although they remain substantial the lists, in the aggregate, have shown a reduction over the past year. I am not yet able to say when a start with the building of new hospitals will be possible.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Minister aware that doctors and patients alike are distressed at the fact that people who are in pain are being told they will have to wait as long as two years before they will be able to get into a hospital? Will he try to ensure a speeding up?
§ Mr. MacleodIt distresses me as much as anyone else that there should be a 1511 waiting list of whatever size. But the waiting lists, taking the city as a whole, have been slightly reduced in the past year. I want very much to see a start made on the teaching hospital in Cardiff, which the hon. Member knows has a very high priority, but I cannot give a precise starting date. I think that the architectural competition is at present under discussion.