§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to enable cancer sufferers in Clwyd to receive treatment in Clwyd as opposed to treatment in Wirral; how many Clwyd patients have been treated in England for cancer for each of the years 1980 to 1987; what consultations he has had with English health authorities and hospital consultants on the prospects of treatment for cancer in Clwyd; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristThe Welsh Office published in 1988 the report of a comprehensive review of regional services, including radiotherapy and medical oncology, delivered to patients in north Wales. The Department's decisions on the report were announced, following consultation, in 1987. Discussions have been held with officials of Clwyd health authority on the report's recommendations, including the funding of medical oncology in the district. Representatives of the Welsh Office and Clwyd and Gwynedd health authorities are to meet officials of Mersey regional health authority in the new year to discuss the report and in particular the Department's intention to commission a study of options for improving the provisions of cancer services to north Wales patients. Information on the number of Clwyd residents receiving treatment in England for cancer is not readily available.