HC Deb 23 March 1994 vol 240 c239W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were not on waiting lists for treatment but were waiting to see a specialist in the national health service in each region for each quarter for the last two years.

3. Dr. Mawhinney

Information on waiting times to first out-patient appointment is not collected. This year regional health authorities have set targets for first out-patient appointments and are aiming to reduce those that are unacceptably long. Most people who attend out-patient clinics are not placed on an in-patient or day case waiting list as they are either treated immediately or do not require any treatment.

Estimated number of children looked after in residential accommodation because parents need relief from the stresses of caring for a child with disabilities at 31 March 1992
Social Services Inspectorate Regions [note] All children Total boys Under one 1 to 4 5 to 9 10 to 15 16 to 17 18 and over Total girls Under one 1 to 4 5 to 9 10 to 15 16 to 17 18 and over
England 380 250 0 0 40 150 50 10 130 0 (*) 20 70 20 10
Shire Counties 110 80 0 0 10 40 20 (*) 40 0 (*) (*) 20 10 0
North of England 20 20 0 0 (*) 10 (*) 0 (*) 0 (*) 0 0 (*) 0
Central England 30 20 0 0 (*) 10 10 (*) 10 0 0 0 10 (*) 0
Southern England 60 30 0 0 (*) 20 10 0 30 0 0 (*) 20 10 0
Metropolitan Districts 130 80 0 0 20 50 10 (*) 40 0 0 10 30 10 (*)
North of England 130 80 0 0 20 50 10 (*) 40 0 0 10 30 10 (*)
Central England (*) (*) 0 0 0 (*) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
London 140 90 0 0 20 50 20 (*) 50 0 (*) 20 20 10 10

Notes:

1. Figures relate to SSI policy regions.

2. Separate estimation procedures have been used for each region and figures rounded to the nearest 10. They will not necessarily add to totals.

* Indicates less than 5 children.

4. Short term placements covered by a single agreement are excluded.

Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she takes to monitor local authorities' duties under the Children Act 1989 to identify children with disabilities and provide or make available services which might benefit them.

Mr. Bowis

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health publishes annual reports on the operations and achievements of the Children Act 1989. The 1993 report will be available shortly and will include a commentary on the services provided by local authorities for children with disabilities. In February 1994, the social services