HC Deb 06 November 1991 vol 198 cc146-7W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will indicate where there are health authorities in Wales with a shortage of consultant cancer specialists;

(2) what steps he will take to deal with a shortage of consultant cancer specialists.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

The Welsh medical and dental manpower committee advises the Department on the relative priority of consultant appointments and reflect in their recommendations any shortages identified by district health authorities.

The latest information shows no shortages in this speciality.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he will take to speed up treatment for cancer sufferers.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

We are continuing to make available central funds to improve the accessibility and quality of the regional radiotherapy and oncology service. We are also encouraging an exchange of information and ideas between those interested in the development of an effective cancer service in Wales.