asked the Minister of Health what is the number on the waiting list for hospital treatment in North-East Essex; what is the average length of time they have to wait; and how these statistics compare with five and 10 years ago.

Urgent cases are admitted without delay. Numbers on waiting lists by specialists and the average wait (months) are as follows:lating to the general practitioner services would be appropriate for investigating complaints by or on behalf of hospital patients. I am, however, reviewing present procedures and expect shortly to give fresh guidance to hospital authorities.