HC Deb 01 June 1998 vol 313 cc81-3W
Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement on his Department's funding for the Scottish National Sleep Laboratory for(a) 1998 and (b) each year since 1992; [42717]

Mr. Macdonald

This information is not available in the form requested. However, the table indicates the housing provision in the green belt for which approval has been sought for release by the former regional councils since 1 January 1995.

(2) how many people are currently on waiting lists to be treated at the Scottish National Sleep Laboratory; [42718]

(3) what was the average length of time for which a patient had to wait for treatment at the Scottish National Sleep Centre in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [42719]

Mr. Galbraith

Until 31 March 1996 funding for the Scottish National Sleep Laboratory was provided centrally by the National Services Division of the Common Services Agency. Funding from 1992 until 1996 was as follows:

Financial year £
1992–93 54,525
1993–94 295,916
1994–95 286,987
1995–96 519,338

Planning of sleep disorder services was devolved to Health Boards with effect from 1996–97 and funds were allocated to them on a weighted basis. Exceptionally in 1997–98, the Management Executive granted an additional allocation of £150,000 to the Laboratory. There are currently 416 people waiting for a new out-patient appointment, 188 waiting for a diagnostic study, and 220 waiting to start treatment.

The waiting time for a new out-patient appointment is on average 28 weeks, for diagnostic study 2.5 months and for the start of treatment 10 months.