§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what proposals he has to reduce the waiting list for non-urgent cases in Clwyd hospitals; what additional funds he will make available to the National Health Service in Clwyd; and what proposals he has to reduce the waiting list for non-urgent cases in Clwyd;
(2) what proposals he has to reduce the waiting list for (a) general operations, (b) orthopaedic operations and (c) ear, nose and throat treatment in Clwyd;
(3) what proposals he has to reduce the waiting list for out-patient treatment in Clwyd.
§ Mr. GristThe management of waiting lists is the responsibility of the relevant district health authority. Authorities have been asked to submit to the Welsh Office revised action plans which identify the continuing problem areas and put forward solutions.
A total of £2 million has been allocated to authorities in Wales over the last two years to help them implement schemes for tackling the worst waiting list problems and a further £1 million is available in the current year. Distribution of these funds is being considered in the light of the revised action plans which have just been received.