To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment she has made of performance against the Government’s commitment that no-one should wait more than six months for an NHS in-patient operation. (78517)

The number of patients waiting over six months at the end of April 2006 was 144 as published on 2 June 2006. The figures relating to the end of May will be published on 30 June. Breaches of waiting time standards are unacceptable and the Department will continue to work closely with the small number of national health service organisations with patients waiting over six months. Patients can continue to expect inpatient treatment within six months of a decision to treat in line with the standard established in December 2005.