HC Deb 04 February 1954 vol 523 cc549-50
40. Mr. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as a means of assisting the poor, disabled, sick and old-age pensioners who have to make use of the National Health Service, he will consider in his forthcoming Budget removing all charges made to users of the National Health Service.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No, Sir.

Mr. Lewis

Are we to take it that the only chance that the people will have of getting a free National Health Service again is to wait until the next General Election, when a Labour Government will come in?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter If they look at it in that way, the people will no doubt recall that this process started under the late Administration.