HC Deb 04 May 1950 vol 474 cc1884-5
36. Mr. Kenneth Thompson

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the hardship suffered by Mr. Albert Rogers, of 40, Carisbrooke Road, Liverpool 4, who, although making regular weekly payments to National Health Service funds is required to pay £17 9s. 9d. for an emergency appendix operation performed while on holiday in France; and if he will defray the cost from public funds.

Mr. Bevan

I am not aware of this case, but I have no power to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Mr. Thompson

Is the Minister aware that there are many cases of this kind, where those who pay into the National Health scheme on a compulsory basis are not able to get any advantage of any reciprocal scheme?

Mr. Bevan

The hon. Member is inaccurate in his facts. How often must it be said that the National Health Service scheme is not based on weekly contributions?