§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures are being taken to reduce hospital waiting lists in the Bolton area.
§ Mr. Newton[pursuant to the reply, 3 February 1987, c. 585]: I understand that Bolton district health authority has taken action to reduce waiting lists and times for hospital treatment particularly by providing additional operating sessions in general surgery and arranging treatment by other health authorities in orthopaedics. The North Western regional health authority has reported to my right hon. Friend on the district's plans for further progress within existing resources, including arranging additional sessions in ophthalmology. On 17 February my right hon. Friend announced that the North Western regional health authority will receive E2.295 million from the first year's allocation from the waiting list fund. Three projects costing more than £170,000 will be funded in Bolton district health authority. This will enable the treatment of over 1,100 extra cases from in-patient lists, including 130 cataract operations to be carried out in the private sector, and increased activity in general surgery.