§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what resources can be made available under section 64 of the general scheme for care grants to encourage district health authorities to participate in the schemes organised by the Impact Foundation to reduce waiting lists for cataract operations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeHealth authorities cannot make applications for core grants under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. These are available only to voluntary organisations.
The Impact Foundation has made an application and we are currently considering this.
Waiting list initiative funds have been, and are being, used by health authorities to support schemes set up by the Impact Foundation to reduce waiting lists and times. So far these schemes have proved to be cost effective and have enabled many patients to be treated from waiting lists.