HC Deb 17 February 1949 vol 461 c1336
42. Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce amending legislation to empower regional hospital boards to provide or pay for treatment outside Great Britain in appropriate cases.

Mr. Bevan

No, Sir.

Mr. Warbey

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the case to which I have drawn his attention, this girl of very high educational attainment could only combine the continued study of languages with treatment for her ailment by going to a sanatorium in Switzerland? As many regional hospital boards are in favour of closing the gap in this legislation, will he do something about it?

Mr. Bevan

The question whether exchange can be provided for people who want to have medical attention abroad is a matter for the Treasury and not for me.

Mr. Warbey

I was referring to a case where the treatment could not be paid for by the patient.

Mr. Bevan

I said that this is a matter for the Treasury and not for me. I certainly cannot add to the obligations of the Health Service by sending people abroad for treatment at this time.

Sir T. Moore

What about officers and men of the Merchant Navy who are probably out of the country for 50 weeks of the 52 in the year?

Mr. Bevan

That is an entirely different question.