asked the Minister of Health how many patients of the Birmingham egional Hospital Board are awaiting admission for major thoracic surgery due to tuberculosis of the lungs; and the average length of time such patients have to wait before being admitted.

On 30th April last the number was 461. The waiting time varies between seven weeks and one year according to circumstances.

Is the Minister aware that these figures are rather worse than those for the Liverpool, Manchester or Leeds boards? Can he say how he plans to improve the situation?

There is a very big variation between the 14 different regions in this speciality, which is one of increasing importance. So far as the Birmingham region is concerned, the regional board plan to build a new unit this year in the King Edward VII Sanatorium at Hertford.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that about six months ago he gave an answer on this subject in very similar terms to an hon. Member from the North-East region? Can he say what he is doing to relieve this very serious situation?

I have answered this particular question with regard to the Birmingham region. If the right hon. Lady would like particulars about another region I am sure she will be prepared to put a Question upon the Order Paper.