HC Deb 31 October 1955 vol 545 cc664-5
30. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider extending to patients of private doctors the power to obtain medicines and drugs at the same charge as under the National Health Service; and if he will give an estimate of what the cost of this change would be.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

In present circumstances, my right hon. Friend would not feel justified in proposing any legislation for this purpose. He is unable to give a reliable estimate of what the proposed change would cost.

Sir I. Fraser

Would my right hon. Friend reconsider this, because surely he will agree that it is a good thing for a person to pay his doctor if he wants to? Why, therefore, should he be deprived of other aspects of the Health Service?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

This question raises legal, financial and administrative difficulties: legal difficulties because it would require legislation, financial because it would cost money, and administrative because it would be absolutely necessary for the private doctors to be under the same rules as the general National Health Service doctors subscribe to.

Dr. Summerskill

Does the hon. Lady realise that if she conceded this she would give the private doctor power without responsibility?