§ Mr. Roy HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what proposals he has to reduce the waiting list for urgent cases in Gwent hospitals;
(2) what proposals he has to reduce the waiting list for non-urgent cases in Welsh hospitals;
(3) what proposals he has to reduce the waiting list for (a) orthopaedic and (b) general operations in Wales;
(4) what proposals he has to reduce the waiting list for ear, nose and throat treatment in Gwent;
(5) What proposals he has to reduce the waiting list for out-patient treatment in Welsh hospitals;
(6) what proposals he has to reduce the waiting list for in-patient treatment in Gwent.
§ Mr. GristThe management of waiting lists is the responsibility of the relevant district health authority. Authorities have been asked to submit to the Welsh Office revised action plans which identify the continuing problem areas and put forward solutions.
A total of £2 million has been allocated to authorities in Wales over the last two years to help them implement schemes for tackling the worst waiting list problems and a further £1 million is available in the current year. Distribution of these funds is being considered in the light of the revised action plans which have just been received.