§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people were on hospital waiting lists at the latest available date; what were the comparable figures for each year since 1970; and if he will break them down to show the specialities involved and the number of admissions for each speciality in each year.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe following table shows the total number of persons on hospital in-patient waiting lists at 31 December of each year from 1970 and the total number of deaths and discharges from hospitals in each of those years. The tables showing the breakdown of numbers by specialties and specialist units are of considerable bulk and I am writing with them to the hon. Member.
Year Total Numbers on Waiting Lists at 31 December Discharges and Deaths during the year to 31 December 1970 525,926 5,011,713 1971 493,731 5,170,791 1972 479,199 5,222,978 1973 508,617 5,132,302 1974 517,424 5,171,706 1975 588,483 4,975,750 1976 607,141 5,254,551 1977 602,091 5,544,967 1978 682,444 5,370,319 1979 687,686 5,400,120 1980 640,110 5,670,001