§ 31. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to reduce waiting lists in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. John PattenWe have consistently sought to encourage the National Health Service in making the most effective use of all its resources so that levels of patient care can be improved and long waiting lists and other deficiencies tackled. The report of the National Health Service management inquiry, which my right hon. Friend welcomed in his statement on 25 October—[Vol. 47, c. 166–167.]—has underlined the part to be played by a stronger management process in exploiting cost improvement opportunities throughout the service.
The number of people on inpatient waiting lists in England is estimated at 726,000 on 31 March 1983, compared with 752,000 in March 1979. In September 1981, before the start of the industrial action in the health service, the figure had fallen to 619,000.