HC Deb 24 October 2000 vol 355 cc117-8W
16. Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on NHS waiting times. [131865]

Mr. Denham

The average waiting time for those on the inpatient list has fallen. At the end of August the average wait was 13 weeks, two weeks less than in June 1998.

The waiting list is currently 120,000 below the level inherited. We have met and maintained our manifesto commitment to reduce waiting lists by 100,000 from the level inherited.

24. Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about out-patient waiting times. [131875]

Mr. Denham

At the end of June this year there were 68,000 fewer people waiting longer than 13 weeks for an appointment than at the September 1999 peak.