asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present waiting period to visit a specialist and to undergo an operation of clinical necessity in Walsall and the area health authorities covering Hartlepool, Blackburn, Rochdale Sefton, St. Helens, Wigan, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, Sandwell, Brent, Ealing, Haringey and Wandsworth, respectively.

I regret that information about waiting times for a first appointment to see a specialist is not readily available. I will write to my hon. Friend with information about waiting times for admission to hospitals for an operation.