43. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Health why a contributor to the National Health Service, who is prepared to pay his doctor's fees, is not allowed to obtain his medicines or drugs under the National Health Service on the same basis as another contributor who exercises his rights in such a way that the National Health Service bears the charge both for the doctor's fees and for the drugs.
§ Mr. BevanDoctors providing general medical services under the Act are subject to various regulations controlling their prescribing. A private doctor would not be under any obligation to observe these rules.
Mr. VaneCould not the regulations be amended so that the suggestion in my Question can be put into effect, because if one contributes to the scheme and is entitled to take the full benefit from it, one ought to be able to take half the benefit? The service is not so flush with money that it has money to give away.
§ Mr. BevanThe hon. Member merely wishes to push out money from the Exchequer with no control whatever over the way in which it is used.