§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department has collated in respect of individual trusts' plans for hospital waiting times. [10421]
§ Mr. Milburn[pursuant to his reply, 29 July 1997, c. 124]: I am now able to provide additional information. The full reply is as follows:
Information is not collated by the Department on individual trust's plans for hospital waiting times. The Government have inherited a situation where 44 of 100 health authorities have contracted for longer maximum waiting times in 1997–98 than in 1996–97. Whereas only four have contracted for shorter maximum waiting times. 622W The Government have made clear the priority that they attach to waiting lists, and to safeguarding emergency admissions.