HC Deb 15 July 1998 vol 316 cc232-3W
25. Mr. Hammond

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she expects NHS waiting lists in Northern Ireland to fall to the level of 1 May 1997. [49043]

Mr. Worthington

I am pleased to say that the waiting lists for hospital inpatient treatment in Northern Ireland have already fallen below the level of 1 May 1997. At that date there were about 46,000 waiting for treatment compared with just over 45,500 at the end of March 1998. The Government remain committed to reducing the lists in Northern Ireland to 39,000 by 31 March 1999.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the spending priorities for the NHS in Northern Ireland. [49018]

Mr. Worthington

We will be spending over £1.7 billion on health and social services in Northern Ireland this year. Our priorities include £13 million to reduce waiting lists; £2 million to develop cancer services, with a commitment to a new pioneering cancer centre at Belfast City hospital; £5 million for the further development of community care services; and £4 million for services for children.