HC Deb 05 November 1987 vol 121 c852W
Mr. Galbraith

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assumptions are made concerning waiting times when determining the number of (a) consultants and (b) beds in the National Health Service.

Mr. Newton

The need to improve waiting times is one of the objectives taken into account by health authorities when deciding how best to provide and develop services for patients. Numbers of consultants or beds would form part of those service plans.