§ 41. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Health if he will state the latest available waiting lists for hospitals in each of the hospital board areas of England and for Wales.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe latest figures for the 15 areas concerned are for 30th June, 1966. With permission, I will circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. GowerCan the Minister say how these figures compare with the figures five years ago? Can he also say whether the position is one of uniformity or whether there are marked regional differences?
§ Mr. RobinsonI find it difficult to say how the figures compare with five years ago. They were slightly higher—just under 3 per cent. higher—than 12 months ago. There are very considerable differences in the number of each region, but there are, of course, differences in the sizes of the regions.
§ Mr. BraineCan the right hon. Gentleman say in which specialities the situation is improving and in which it is worsening? Can he give the House some information about the factors involved? Is it a matter of a shortage of doctors, 940 theatre facilities, or is the demand for treatment increasing?
§ Mr. RobinsonI would be very glad to give any information that is in my possession if the hon. Gentleman would put down a Question. I do not know whether he has seen the remarks of the right hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Mr. Powell), my predecessor but one in office, about the waiting lists generally.
§ Following are the figures:
| Hospital Board Area | Waiting list on 30th June, 1966 | |
| Newcastle | … | 27,810 |
| Leeds | … | 26,015 |
| Sheffield | … | 49,775 |
| East Anglia | … | 15,370 |
| North West Metropolitan | … | 50,981 |
| North East Metropolitan | … | 33,423 |
| South East Metropolitan | … | 41,818 |
| South West Metropolitan | … | 34,111 |
| Oxford | … | 25,199 |
| South Western | … | 42,193 |
| Birmingham | … | 57,131 |
| Manchester | … | 70,516 |
| Liverpool | … | 21,674 |
| Wessex | … | 15,986 |
| Wales | … | 25,469 |