§ 26. Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans to introduce a State health insurance scheme with optional arrangements for those wishing to obtain private care.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinI am examining the strengths and weaknesses of our present system of health care financing as compared with those of other countries, many of which provide health care through compulsory social insurance schemes. In some cases such schemes make provision for contracting out and this is a possible area for study. This examination is still at an early stage and it is too soon to say what if any proposals may emerge as a basis for consultation. I would regard it as essential in any new arrangements to ensure that no one should be denied necessary treatment for want of means to pay.