NHS Waiting Lists

HC Deb 10 July 2000 vol 353 cc407-8W

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning NHS waiting lists, with particular reference to those waiting over a year; and if he will make a statement. [126974]

Mr. Hanson

Both I and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State meet regularly with the Assembly First Secretary and the Assembly Health Secretary to discuss the Health Service in Wales.

The subject of waiting lists is, of course, of concern to us all and is therefore often included in our conversations.

In March, the Government announced an additional £1,299 million for Wales over four years as a consequence of increases in the NHS budget for England. The Assembly has decided this will all be spent on health in Wales and has invested £40 million from this year's allocation to help reduce waiting lists and address emergency pressures. In addition, they have recently set strict targets for Health Authorities to meet.