29. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his approval was invited before the decision was made to charge fees for Africans receiving treatment at the King George VI Hospital in Nairobi; and to what extent it is intended that, contrary to the practice in the United Kingdom, fees shall in future be charged in all African hospitals.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo, Sir. It has been decided to introduce token fees for Africans in all Government hospitals to help meet the rising costs of health services and the King George VI Hospital is the first to introduce the system. It has long been the practice for Africans to be charged fees in mission hospitals and medical institutions run by African district councils.
Mr. DugdaleDoes this mean that Her Majesty's Government, who have always been opposed to the introduction of a free hospital service in this country, are determined, as they dare not do anything about that, to prevent Africans from getting one?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo, Sir, I want to see the African social services develop on sensible lines and not become bankrupt from the start.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWhilst I shall be happy to give the right hon. Gentleman the details, if he likes, I can say straightaway to the House that the fees for adult in-patients will be 10s. for the first week and 5s. for each of the second, third and fourth weeks. The maximum charge for any length of stay will be 25s. Out-patients fees are to be 2s. a week, with fees halved for children under 16, and there is provision for indigent persons to receive medical attention free.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI shall be ready to answer a Question on that point and to give the right hon. Gentleman as much information as I can upon it.
§ Mr. BevanDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that he has acquainted himself with the fees but is unable to tell the House what proportion they bear to the wages of Africans today?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydFrom my conversations and communications from the Governor, I am fully satisfied that the charges are proper under the circumstances, but I am ready to reply in detail to the right hon. Gentleman, if he will put down a Question.