§ Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how long hospital waiting lists are in England at the present time, and how this compares with 1964; and what plans she has for reducing the period of delay before operations.
§ Dr. OwenThe number of patients on hospital in-patient waiting fists in all specialities in England was 471,403 on 31st December 1964 and 519,522 on 30th September 1975—the latest date for which national figures are available.
Industrial disputes in the National Health Service over the last few years have added to the problem.
My Department recently issued guidance to health authorities aimed at improving the management of waiting lists by recommending all areas to introduce 543W good practice found helpful in some areas in reducing waiting times. The problem is, however, complex and my right hon. Friend has asked health authorities to examine the situation and report later this year. Where health authorities find that additional financial resources would be needed to reduce excessively long waiting times it may be difficult for them to make early improvements. However, the Government earmarked £5 million in 1975–76, and a similar sum in 1976–77, for small capital schemes intended to help authorities with this problem.