§ Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the discrepancy between the length of time patients have to wait to see a consultant through the National Health Service, as distinct from patients willing to pay; whether he will investigate arrangements at hospitals for National Health Service patients to see consultants; and whether he will make recommendations to improve the situation.
§ Mr. NobleI have no information about private practice. I am aware that the waiting time for out-patients in the National Health Service in some areas, particularly for specialist services, is longer than desirable. The main reasons are either pressure on the consultant time at present available or that the accommodation and facilities for out-patient consultation are inadequate. The consultant and other medical staffing in hospitals has been very fully reviewed by a Committee under Dr. J. H. Wright and I have just received the Report. The physical deficiencies are being made good as resources permit under the Hospital Plan. I do not think that any further special inquiry is at present necessary.