To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to the answer of 6 April 2005, Official Report, column 1538W, on accident and emergency departments, what recent assessment he has made of the trend in attendances at type one accident and emergency departments; and what effect (a) better reporting, (b) increased satisfaction with accident and emergency services and (c) any other factors have on this trend. (166320)

Data show that there were 13.6 million attendances in 2006-07 at type 1 accident and emergency departments, a 0.4 per cent. increase since 2005-06.

The assessment referred to in the previous answer has not been repeated.