§ 50. Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the procedures that area health authorities have adopted for reducing orthopaedic waiting lists.
§ Dr. VaughanProfessor Duthie's report has been widely welcomed in the National Health Service. It is a most important report, since the advice in it will help reduce not only orthopaedic waiting lists, but general surgical lists. While we are satisfied that the scope it offers for local action to reduce waiting lists has been generally recognised, there will be some variation in the progress which authorities will be able to make. I am seeking fuller information about this and we will then consider what further steps should be taken to encourage the most rapid reduction possible in waiting times.