asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the percentage of patients in the North West Thames region who in 1980 waited for more than a year for a hip operation; and what was the comparable percentage of patients waiting for this period of time in 1985.

I am sorry I cannot give my hon. Friend the information he seeks. It is not available from the sample information held centrally. My hon. Friend may wish to write to the chairman of the North West Thames regional health authority for the information requested.