§ Mr. LilleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish figures showing the index for patients with operations cancelled for non-medical reasons in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99 for (i) England, (ii) East and North Hertfordshire, (iii) West Hertfordshire and (iv) the health authority in the prospering growth area with the (1) lowest figure and (2) highest figure. [109746]
§ Mr. DenhamThe 1997–98 figures were published in "Quality and Performance in the NHS: High Level Performance Indicators" in June 1999. Figures for 1998–99 will be published later this year.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he proposes to take to clear the backlog of operations arising as a result of(a) cancellations over the Millennium holiday period and (b) the flu outbreak. [111374]
§ Mr. DenhamThe seasonal rise in waiting lists is expected, reflecting the planned priority the NHS has given to emergencies. This is anticipated in our plans to achieve our manifesto waiting list target. Trusts will continue to work to ensure the target is achieved.