HC Deb 24 February 1958 vol 583 cc15-6
28. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Health how many foreigners not normally resident in this country came to Great Britain for a short time and had substantial medical, surgical, or dental treatment unconnected with a sudden accident or illness, during the last year for which records are available.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I regret that this information is not available.

Sir I. Fraser

Will my right hon. and learned Friend note that my Question does not show ungenerosity towards those who come to these shores and get in trouble? Will my right hon. and learned Friend reconsider whether some kind of check cannot be made to see whether our generosity is being abused? It would be monstrous if our people had to pay more for their National Health Service simply and solely on account of such an abuse as I have suggested in my Question.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Of course, this matter has been looked at, but there really is no known method by which we can apply a policy of discrimination without requiring residents in Britain also to supply similar particulars. I would ask my hon. Friend not to get this question out of proportion. Though we do not know the exact cost of the use of the National Health Service by non-residents, an outside estimate of the figure is £150,000.