§ 20. Mr. Scottasked the Minister of Health what is the average length of waiting time for a non-urgent minor operation in the London area and the United Kingdom, respectively.
§ Mr. LoughlinThe time varies so much according to the operation that average figures would have little meaning, but such information as is available suggests that the waiting time for such operations is usually somewhat less in the Metropolitan Hospital Board regions than in the country as a whole.
§ Mr. ScottIs it not true that in respect of this type of operation on children the waiting period is such that considerable anxiety is caused to parents? What is the Minister doing to secure a reduction in the waiting time?
§ Mr. LoughlinThat is hardly the Question put on the Order Paper. I agree that even if operations affect adults—quite apart from children—there is some anxiety on the part of the patients themselves and the relatives. I assure the hon. Member that as far as humanly possible, given staff and resources, we are doing what we can to deal with the problem.