HC Deb 19 June 1956 vol 554 cc1210-1
7. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that in effecting economies in Governmental expenditure no increases will be made in National Health Service charges.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I would ask the hon. Member to await a general statement on the Government's economy measures. which I propose to make shortly.

Mr. Hamilton

Before he makes that announcement, will the Chancellor bear in mind, first, the recommendations of the Guillebaud Committee, and, secondly, that the Government no longer enjoy the confidence of the country, if we accept the implications of Tonbridge, and that the alternative Government is pledged to remove all these charges?

Mr. Macmillan

The hon. Member seems to be more engaged in making his point than in asking a question.

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper: 12. Mr. LEWIS: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to announce details of the Government's intended cut of £100 in the current financial year.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Lewis.

Mr. Lewis

On a point of order. May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to a typographical error in the second line of Question No. 12? After the word "£100" should be inserted the word "million"—unless this is intelligent anticipation on the part of the printer.

May I now ask Question No. 12?

Mr. H. Macmillan

I have nothing to add to the Answer which I gave to the hon. Member on this subject on 12th June.

Mr. Lewis

May I ask the Chancellor for two assurances: first, that he will make the announcement before the result of the Newport by-election; and, secondly, that he will give an assurance that there will be no cuts in the social services and no action taken which will increase the cost of living? I should particularly like an affirmative answer to the latter question.

Mr. Macmillan

I think that the hon. Member had better await my statement.