§ 33. Mr. Boscawenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress is being made in reducing the additions to waiting lists in hospitals in England and Wales brought about by recent actual or threatened industrial action by hospital staff.
§ Mr. Moyle:I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the right hon. Member for Wanstead and Woodford (Mr. Jenkin) on l0th November 1978.—[Vol. 957, c. 375.]
§ 42. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are awaiting admission to National Health Service hospitals at the present time.
§ Mr. Moyle:I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Hampstead (Mr. Finsberg) on 7th November 1978.—[Vol. 957, c. 97.]
§ 56. Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospitals in England and Wales limited the admission of patients because of actual or threatened industrial action on the part of nursing and other staff at the end of October 1978.
§ Mr. Moyle:The information is not held centrally. Information is, however, collected as the Situation demands in connection with particular national disputes. In the case of the recent action by works Supervisors, some 380 hospitals were restricting admissions when the dispute ended on 27th October.
My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has asked me to say that the corresponding figure for Wales was 15.
§ 57. Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding 575W delays in admitting cases for hospital operations.
§ Mr. Moyle:I receive many letters from hon. Members and from patients and others expressing concern about delays in admission to hospital for surgical treatment. I share this concern about long waiting times and I shall continue with health authorities actively to seek ways of reducing the time spent waiting by patients for hospital treatment.