§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what action he proposes to take in view of the urgent need at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary for the replacement of X-ray equipment, which is now becoming obsolete and if not replaced will lead to a breakdown or a reduction of certain services;
(2) what action he proposes to take in the light of the fact that the district management team in Huddersfield has a 10-year plan to spend over £1 million on X-ray equipment, and unless this programme is accepted, it is almost certain that there will be a breakdown or reduction of certain services.
§ Mr. MoyleIt is for the Kirklees Area Health Authority to consider the 10–15year programme which has been drawn up by the district management team for the replacement of equipment. I understand that there is no immediate need to replace any of the X-ray equipment at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Health and Social Services what action he proposes to take in view of the fact that because of the long waiting list, particularly for operations, the district management team in Huddersfield is seriously considering a "weekdays only" ward at either the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, or at St. Luke's; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleMy Department has issued general guidance on measures to reduce waiting lists. It is in accordance with this guidance that the Huddersfield district management team is investigating the possible development of day surgery and five-day surgical facilities in order to increase throughput of cases and thereby reduce waiting lists.