§ Mr. Watkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the waiting time in weeks for out-patient appointments in the Gloucester health district for patients wanting orthopaedic treatment;
(2) what is the waiting time in weeks for out-patient appointments for people seeking treatment for ear, nose and throat disorders within the Gloucester health district.
§ Mr. MoyleThe average waiting times for ear, nose and throat and orthopaedic out-patients appointments in that part of Gloucestershire which, prior to 1 January 1979, formed the Gloucestershire health district, are 25 and 16 weeks respectively. Urgent cases are seen more quickly.
54Wrates which might be concluded with the Canadian Government would involve the United Kingdom in additional expenditure. No financial provision is at present possible for such an agreement in view of the current constraints on public expenditure.