HC Deb 07 February 1989 vol 146 cc639-40W
Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has plans to provide additional funds to reduce hospital waiting lists in the Merseyside region.

Mr. Mellor

Last December, we announced a further £1.445 million for Mersey region from the waiting list fund for 1989–90. This brings the total additional funds we have allocated to Mersey region through this initiative to £4.488 million over three years. In addition, Crewe district health authority will have an opportunity to bid against the £6 million reserved from the waiting list fund next year for districts with special waiting problems.