HC Deb 02 December 1948 vol 458 cc2164-5
38. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of many anomalies and some injustice, both to sick persons and those who have to minister to them, in connection with the National Health Service Act, he will soon issue an interim report on the working of the Act or make a statement to the House.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Aneurin Bevan)

I cannot accept the implications in this Question. I am, of course, always ready to supply the House with whatever available specific information may be requested.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he hopes to introduce his amending Bill and whether that Bill will deal also with some of the anomalies which are patent to everybody in the country even if they are not patent to the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. Bevan

The hon. Gentleman has addressed his supplementary to an entirely different question. This matter of an amending Bill has been under discussion with the representatives of the medical profession and when full agreement has been reached—or when full agreement has not been reached—then the Bill will be presented to the House.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

I asked whether the same amending Bill will deal with anomalies in the Act which have clearly been demonstrated.

Mr. Bevan

The hon. Member asked his question in such general terms that it is impossible to reply. He had better await the Bill.

Mr. Somerville Hastings

Is my right hon. Friend also aware of the many expressions of satisfaction which have been received from all sections of the community; and may I ask whether he agrees that the thanks of the nation are due to the many people who are working the scheme?

Mr. Bevan

When the time comes for the Report of the Ministry of Health to be presented to Parliament, I hope that it will give an objective review of what has happened. It is undoubtedly the case that very many millions of people have already benefited under the Act. It is also noticeable that certain hon. Members opposite claim in the country credit for things at which they jeer in the House of Commons.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

In view of the answers of the right hon. Gentleman, and the difficulty of elucidating these details by question and answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.