§ Mr. Norman HoggTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to reduce hospital waiting lists in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 22 February 1988]: I regard the reduction of the time patients have to wait for consultation and treatment as one of the urgent tasks facing the NHS. An additional sum of £3.6 million has already been allocated to health boards for this purpose during the current financial year. I am presently considering what further action needs to be taken. I hope to discuss this with health board chairmen in the next few weeks.