Mr. Howarthasked the Minister of Health how many children are waiting to have their tonsils removed under the National Health Service in the Bolton and District Hospitals' area; what is the average waiting time; how many sur- 180W geons are available for this operation; and what steps he is taking to improve the position at an early date.
§ Mr. LoughlinOnly children up to the age of 9 are separately recorded. Of this group 479 at 31st October 1966; 7 months; 5 (1 consultant, 1 registrar, 2 clinical assistants, 1 senior house officer).
The Manchester Regional Hospital Board hope to appoint a second consultant in the near future.