§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many lithotripter machines for kidney patients are installed in Welsh hospitals; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many Welsh patients needing lithotripter machine treatment travel to English centres; if he will list those centres; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what plans there are to install lithotripter machines in hospitals in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristThere are at present no lithotripter machines in National Health Service hospitals in Wales. Information on the number of Welsh patients referred to centres in England for lithotripter treatment is not held centrally. South Glamorgan health authority has been invited by the Welsh Office to prepare, in association with other health authorities in Wales, a detailed statement of need, appraisal of location options and specification for a lithotripter.