§ 22. Mr. D. Howellasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the growing concern about lengthening waiting lists for hospital treatment and the increase in the number of patients who are paying for treatment in order to get priority of hospital beds; and whether he will set up a committee of inquiry, or take other steps to deal with the matter.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe waiting list figure for 30th September, 1958, shows a slight reduction on the figure for September, 1957, and was nearly 100,000 less than the peak figure recorded at the end of 1950. I rely on hospital authorities to continue to do everything possible to reduce waiting periods, and I have no evidence that patients urgently needing admission are having to pay to obtain it. I do not therefore think that a committee of inquiry or other special steps are called for.