HC Deb 28 July 1977 vol 936 cc596-7W
Mr. O'Halloran

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the number of urgent cases in the North East Thames Regional Health Authority area on the waiting list; how many have been waiting for over one month; and if he will make a statement on the action he intends to take to remedy this position.

Mr. Moyle

On 31st March 1977 in the North-East Thames Region 2,674 patients were provisionally recorded on the waiting list for urgent treatment. Of these 1,358 had been on the list for more than one month.

Regarding action generally in hand on waiting lists I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Mr. Newens) on 19th July.—[Vol. 935, c. 431].

Mr. O'Halloran

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of beds for mental illness are in the North-East Thames Regional Health Authority area.

Mr. Moyle

In 1976, 7.6 per cent. of the total average daily number of available mental illness beds for England were in North-East Thames Region.