HC Deb 16 December 1948 vol 459 cc1366-7
40. Colonel Stoddart-Scott

asked the Minister of Health what moneys have been paid out of public funds since 5th July, 1948, in respect of hospital services, general medical services, pharmaceutical services, general dental services and ophthalmic services; and approximately what proportions these sums represent of the total liability incurred.

Mr. Bevan

As the reply includes a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Colonel Stoddart-Scott

Would the right hon. Gentleman just tell the House how much in excess of the estimate these services are likely to cost the country?

Mr. Bevan

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will study the figures.

Colonel Stoddart-Scott

Of course I will, but I want the Minister to tell the House a very simple matter which does not require a lot of figures.

Mr. Bevan

No, Sir. I asked the hon. and gallant Member and the House to look at the figures.

Brigadier Medlicott

Has the Minister calculated how much of the greatly increased expenditure falling upon the Exchequer is caused by the fact that every time he makes a speech there is widespread gnashing of teeth?

Mr. Bevan

I would also like to remind hon. Members that many of these figures may be artificially inflated by the fact that some hon. Members opposite always appear to support abuses.

Following is the reply:

The total amounts paid out of public funds since 5th July, 1948, and up to 30th November, 1948, in respect of hospital services, general medical services, pharmaceutical services, general dental services and ophthalmic services are as follow:

£
Hospital services 58,000,000
General medical services 7,982,994
Pharmaceutical services 5,438,709
General dental services 5,541,658
Ophthalmic services 4,047,568

The total liability incurred in that period cannot be stated.

44. Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

asked the Minister of Health what sums have been paid out of public funds in respect of hospital services under the National Health Scheme from 5th July, 1948, to the nearest convenient date.

Mr. Bevan

Up to 30th November, 1948, a total of £58,000,000 had been paid by my Department in respect of hospital services in England and Wales since 5th July last.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how that compares with the estimate and whether it represents the total liability, or whether further sums have to be paid in respect of liability already incurred?

Mr. Bevan

No, Sir, because it is not possible at the moment to carve up the estimates. Very many of these demands are still being examined.