HC Deb 03 May 1951 vol 487 cc1399-400
22. Mr. Vosper

asked the Minister of Health what steps have been taken to ensure that hospital patients contracting for pay-bed accommodation are advised in advance of the anticipated amount of specialist fees.

Mr. Marquand

These fees are arranged privately between patients and specialists, subject to maxima specified in regulations. Hospital authorities have been asked to draw attention to the maxima when private patients sign the undertaking to pay the hospital charges.

Mr. H. Hynd

Would it not be better to abolish this pay-bed system altogether?

Mr. Marquand

That would require legislation.