§ Mr. Jesselasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current approximate average waiting time for artificial hip operations at the West Middlesex hospital, Isleworth; how this compares with other hospitals in inner and outer London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyThis information is not held centrally. My hon. Friend may wish to approach the chairman of Hounslow and Spelthorne health authority for local information and the chairman of north west Thames for information about the position in other districts in the region.
I am aware that in some areas there are unacceptably long waiting times for hip replacement operations. Health authorities have been asked to give priority to developing this service.