Data on waiting lists is compiled on a quarterly basis by my Department. Figures in relation to the period from 1 July to 30 September 1994 are being collated at present and I will write to the Deputy with this information as soon as it is available. In relation to the number of patients referred to orthopaedic surgeons for hip replacements, I regret that as such information could not be routinely collected other than at a disproportionate cost, it is not possible to provide the information which the Deputy seeks on this matter.
The Deputy will, no doubt, be aware that following the success of the £20 million 1993 waiting list initiative the Government has committed a further £10 million in 1994 to allow the progress made in 1993 to be consolidated and to further reduce waiting times in specialties where waiting times for in-patient services are considered excessive. The target level of additional activity for 1994 is as follows: