asked the Minister of Health how many patients are awaiting admission to the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital for cataract operation; and whether he will ensure that the waiting list is regularly checked to maintain contact between hospital and patient.

I am informed that there are 728 such patients; regular contact is maintained by correspondence with patients on the waiting lists.

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to reduce the period of waiting by patients in the out-patients' departments of Manchester hospitals.

The Manchester Regional Hospital Board and the board of governors of the United Manchester Hospitals are at present reviewing the arrangements in out-patients departments at the hospitals under their administration, as requested in the circular which I sent to all boards on 3rd June, 1954.