§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to publish hospital waiting list figures within three months of the date of collection; and if he will make it his policy to publish the national, regional and district totals simultaneously.
§ Mr. Mellor[holding answer 25 November 1988]: The publication of any summarised information is dependent on the speed with which health authorities submit accurate figures. Waiting list figures for March and September each year are published as soon as all necessary validation has been carried out. National and regional summaries are published in statistical bulletins, and the more detailed district figures are produced as soon as possible thereafter. These procedures will continue to be followed.