HC Deb 22 November 1954 vol 533 cc776-7
36. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Minister of Health the average waiting time in each of the hospital areas in England and Wales before tuberculous patients who have been advised and are willing to undergo an operation for re-section of ribs are admitted to hospital and operated on.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I regret that the information is not readily available.

Sir D. Robertson

Is the waiting time similar to that in the north of Scotland, where it is anything from a year and a half to three years? Do these areas work as watertight compartments, or if areas are hard pressed are they relieved by other areas which are not so hard pressed?

Mr. Macleod

I doubt whether I could get the information that my hon. Friend wants. Not only would it involve an inquiry of all hospitals of this nature, but they would have to search their records for these cases. I will see whether there is any more information which I can give my hon. Friend. As far as I know, from time to time areas do help, on call, other areas in their vicinity which are hard pressed.

Sir D. Robertson

Will my right hon. Friend confer with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland with a view to overcoming this appalling delay, which must involve human life in a very serious way, and so relieve the position in the far north of Scotland?

Mr. Macleod

I will certainly see whether anything can be done, but I cannot think that facilities in England and Wales would really be of very much help to people in the north of Scotland.