§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give the average waiting time for each regional hospital board in Northern Ireland for an operation for varicose veins; what is the waiting time for National Health Service patients and private patients under the National Health Service; what is his best estimate of the cost of treatment prior to operation for varicose veins in each of the areas of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe information requested on average waiting times for operations for varicose veins is not available, nor is it possible to estimate the cost of treatment of patients prior to operation.