HC Deb 15 March 1951 vol 485 cc1743-4
22. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Health the estimated cost during the fiscal year 1951–52 of providing benefits under the National Health Service to foreigners visiting and/or working in the United Kingdom, including the cost of such equipment as hearing aids, spectacles, dentures and surgical accessories.

Mr. Marquand

Separate figures for this are not available.

Mr. Nabarro

In view of the fact that there must be a considerable cost involved in this service to foreign visitors, would the right hon. Gentleman consider instituting a minimum residential qualification for those receiving free benefits and use his powers to charge foreigners where that minimum qualification is not fulfilled?

Mr. Marquand

I am advised that the cost of treating foreign visitors is almost negligible.

Sir H. Williams

How does the right hon. Gentleman know?