§ 5. Mr. Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge)What discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly on the number of people in Wales who are (a) on the NHS waiting list for in-patient treatment and (b) awaiting a first out-patient consultation. [98880]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. David Hanson)I regularly have discussions with the First Secretary and Assembly Health and Social Services Secretary about important matters affecting Wales. That often includes the NHS in Wales and waiting lists have been included in our discussions.
§ Mr. HammondWill the Minister confirm that the number of patients waiting 18 months or longer for in-patient treatment in Wales—under the Government's policy targets, there should be none—has increased by 122 per cent., and the number of patients waiting six months or more for their first out-patient consultation by 430 per cent. since March 1997? Will he further confirm that in the Bro Taf health authority area, 19 per cent. of all patients waiting for in-patient treatment have been waiting for more than 12 months? Does he agree that that represents a disastrous failure of his Government's policy? Will he confirm that there is a terrible crisis in the NHS in Wales and say what he will do to help solve it?
§ Mr. HansonThe hon. Gentleman should be aware—though coming from Runnymede, he may not be—that the Assembly is responsible for the health service in many respects. This is about partnership between central Government and the Assembly. Today, the Assembly Health and Social Services Secretary, Jane Hutt, has announced that 95 per cent. of patients have been admitted to hospital for treatment within 12 months in the past year. 292 Since the Government were elected in May 1997, £291.6 million extra has gone into the NHS in Wales, and in the comprehensive spending review, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced that a further £1 billion will be available for the Assembly to spend over the next three years on health services. Would the hon. Gentleman cancel that money? Would he have put it in? The answers to those questions are yes and no.
§ Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley)As my hon. Friend knows, when health funding is calculated in England, an assessment of deprivation is made. When will deprivation be included in an assessment for health funding in Wales by the Welsh Assembly?
§ Mr. HansonThe point that my hon. Friend has mentioned is valid. I hope that the Assembly will take the matter on board. I shall certainly raise it with the Assembly Secretary, Jane Hutt, but ultimately it is for the Assembly to determine.