To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps will be taken to reduce the waiting lists for the out-patient clinics for dermatology, ophthalmology and ear, nose and throat at the Downe hospital, Downpatrick, Co. Down.

Information about the numbers of people awaiting out-patient appointments is not collected centrally. However, I can assure you that 1 expect health and social services boards to take action to ensure that waiting times for out-patient clinics are kept to a minimum. The management of out-patient clinics at the Downe hospital, Downpatrick is primarily the responsibility of the Eastern board, and the hon. Gentleman may wish to contact Mr. Norman Ferguson, the chairman of the board.