HC Deb 19 June 1991 vol 193 cc227-8W
37. Mr. McKelvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the waiting times in Scotland for heart bypass operations; and what steps he is taking to reduce the waiting time.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

In the year to 31 March 1991 a total of 1,515 patients received heart bypass operations. The mean waiting time was six months. I have already announced that I expect to increase funding for open heart surgery, which includes heart bypass operations, to around £19.8 million in 1991–92.