Lord Lucasasked Her Majesty's Government:
With reference to the pledge in the Labour Party manifesto to "cut NHS waiting lists", by what measure of "NHS waiting lists" they wish their performance of this pledge to be judged, and what are the latest available figures for that measure.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health (Baroness Jay of Paddington)Our manifesto commitment is to treat an extra 100,000 patients through reducing bureaucracy.
We are also committed to ending waits for cancer surgery, especially breast cancer, and will be making £10 million available for breast cancer services in 1997–98. Health authorities will be reporting on improvements in speed of access to diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer twelve months after receiving their extra funds. In addition, we will be providing £5 million for paediatric intensive care. Early action on paediatric intensive care will be put in place this year.