§ 6. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the case of an Italian subject who had two years of surgical treatment at a cost of £500 to the British taxpayer, particulars of which have been sent him; and what is now the policy of Her Majesty's Government as regards free treatment to the citizens of other nations.
Since this Question was put down, Sir, I have been informed, and I have told the Minister, that the cost is nearer £2,000 than the £500 mentioned in the Question.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI was already aware of the case to which my hon. Friend refers, and am writing more fully to him. As a matter of policy, permission is, whenever possible, refused to aliens coming to this country for the avowed purpose of obtaining free treatment under the National Health Service and hospitals are discouraged from making arrangements to this end.
§ Sir W. SmithersI understand that the Minister advocated a certain line of policy. Will he now implement what he once advocated?
§ Mr. MacleodThis case, the like of which I hope does not happen again, was brought to the notice of the Ministry of Health in October, 1950. I had no responsibility for that.