§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department has collated in respect of individual trusts' plans for hospital waiting times. [10421]
§ Mr. MilburnInformation is not collated by the Department on individual trusts' plans for hospital waiting times. The Government have inherited a situation where 39 of 100 health authorities have contracted for longer maximum waiting times in 1997–98 than in 1996–97, whereas only three have contracted for shorter maximum waiting times. The Government have made clear the priority they attach to waiting lists, and to safeguarding emergency admissions.