HC Deb 06 May 1948 vol 450 cc1445-6
38. Mr. Odey

asked the Minister of Health why the New Health Service Information Leaflet, now being distributed, does not state the weekly cost of the stamp contribution; and if he will authorise a statement giving the rate that each party will pay.

64. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Health why the weekly cost to the individual is not given in the pamphlet recently issued on the new National Health Service.

Mr. Bevan

The National Health Service is not dependent on a stamp contribution, which is a matter for National Insurance. My right hon. Friend the Minister of National Insurance will shortly be issuing a booklet to all householders describing the contributions and benefits of the National Insurance Scheme.

Mr. Odey

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he is not influenced in any way by the fact that much of the new Health Service of the nation will not be available for the next 20 years?

Mr. Bevan

In every part of the world there must be limitations upon health services because of their dependence on the medical and physical resources available at any given time.

Mr. Erroll

As there is a widespread feeling that the cost of this service will weigh heavily upon the individual, is it not a great pity that this low cost was not included in the statement in the leaflet?

Mr. Bevan

If, as Members say, we shall not be able to give the service then, obviously, there will not be any cost, because the cost will depend on the amount of service we are able to give. This cost is borne from the National Exchequer, and not from insurance contributions.

Colonel Stoddart-Scott

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that the £200 million which the Health Service will cost is coming entirely out of rates and taxes, and that nothing whatever will come out of the weekly contributions?

Mr. Bevan

It will come almost entirely from the Exchequer and the rates.

Colonel Stoddart-Scott

The right hon. Gentleman says, "Almost."

Mr. Scollan

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to the fact that girls are going overseas to take up nursing, instead of staying at home? What steps is he taking to deal with that?

Mr. Bevan

That is not relevant to this Question. We are doing our best to recruit nurses, but we do not wish to interfere with the rights of girls to go overseas, should they so desire.