NHS: Waiting Times — Question

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 2:51 pm on 3 May 2011.

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Photo of Earl Howe Earl Howe The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health 2:51, 3 May 2011

My Lords, I agree with much of what the noble Lord said. There is no doubt that great strides were made under the previous Government to reduce waiting times. That is entirely to the advantage of patients. However, the noble Lord will know that, as I mentioned earlier, the NHS constitution still retains the right for treatment within 18 weeks and the contracts between commissioners and providers still retain the financial penalties if the 18-week target is broken.