HC Deb 30 June 1986 vol 100 c691
10. Mr. Coleman

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what recent representations he has received concerning the financing of the National Health Service in Wales.

Mr. Mark Robinson

My right hon. Friend consistently receives representations and petitions concerning the National Health Service in Wales, which cover many issues, including that of funding.

Mr. Coleman

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of recent revelations concerning X-ray facilities in hospitals administered by West Glamorgan health authority which are on the point of crisis because of staff shortages? Is he aware that the general administrator of that health authority has said that although approval has been given for the appointment of a consultant radiologist he cannot be appointed because there is no cash? Is he further aware that in the Neath general hospital, at times the X-ray department is unmanned? Those are just a couple of instances of what is happening in the National Health Service in Wales because of a shortage of cash. What is he going to do about it?

Mr. Robinson

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is aware that the management of resources in the West Glamorgan health authority is for that health authority. If it has problems along the lines that he is emphasising, it is for the management to sort them out. I should say that since 1979 the resources available to West Glamorgan health authority have increased by no less than 36 per cent.

Dr. Roger Thomas

In the light of the Minister's initiative, which was mentioned earlier, will he consider employing extra gynaecological surgeons in Wales? There is a great delay these days in the second phase of investigation of cervical cytology. Women with positive results are having to wait longer and longer for the second stage to be carried out.

Mr. Robinson

With regard to the initiative that I announced earlier, we are looking at all possibilities that can help to decrease the length of the waiting lists. However, the initiative is aimed at things that we can do quickly and in the short term to bring down waiting lists.