§ Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the increase in the number of out-patients awaiting treatment in the four major Leicester and Leicestershire hospitals in the last year of 64 per cent. to 9,801 persons, if she will take action to reduce this figure.
§ Dr. OwenThe increase is primarily due to the industrial action taken by some consultants earlier this year. The consultants have now resumed normal working, and I hope that the ground recently lost will soon be regained. I understand that the Leicestershire Area Health Authority (Teaching), with the co-operation of consultants and general practitioners, is making every effort to reduce the number of non-urgent cases and that arrangements have been made between consultants and general practitioners which are designed to ensure that urgent cases are seen without delay.