HC Deb 22 October 1984 vol 65 c427
15. Mr. Hubbard-Miles

asked the Secretary of State for Wales by what percentage the number of (a) inpatients and (b) outpatients treated annually in Wales has risen since 1978.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

The number of inpatients and outpatients treated annually in Wales rose by 12.5 per cent. and 17.1 per cent. respectively between 1978 and 1983.

Mr. Hubbard-Miles

I thank my hon. Friend for that information. Are not those figures the best possible proof of the growth and improvement in the health services in Wales, of which another example is the new hospital being built in my constituency?

Mr. Roberts

Yes, I am glad to agree with my hon. Friend. We have provided a record level of financial resources for the National Health Service in Wales. The number of front-line staff—doctors, dentists, nurses and so on — also increased by 15.7 per cent. between 1979–80 and 1983–84, and that has meant that we have been able to treat more people.