§ 32. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Health what reasons were given by the Swiss Government for being unwilling to reciprocate by making medical attention and hospital treatment available free of charge to British visitors to Switzerland.
§ Mr. MarquandThe Swiss Government have stated that their domestic legislation does not enable them to grant such reciprocity.
§ Mr. RussellIs the Minister aware that a constituent of mine who was recently on holiday in Switzerland became ill, had to go into hospital and received a bill for£70 for treatment? Does he not think it monstrous that Swiss citizens here who become ill while on holiday should get free treatment, while British citizens in Switzerland should not?
§ Mr. MarquandNothing would please me more than if the Swiss Government would establish a national health service, but until they do so there is nothing to be done about it.
§ Mr. RussellWill the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Swiss Government and to other Governments to co-operate in this matter?
§ Mr. DonnellyWill my right hon. Friend make representations through the usual channels to try to persuade Members of the Opposition to advertise the Health Service of this country when they go abroad?