HC Deb 10 March 1958 vol 584 cc15-6
26. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health what has been the value of all forms of treatment provided under the National Health Service since 1946 to members of the United States forces and all other aliens, respectively, in the United Kingdom; and what corresponding benefits have been received by members of Her Majesty's forces serving in the United States of America.

Mr. Walker-Smith

The information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. The second part of the Question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence.

Mr. Johnson

Ought not this information asked for in the first part of the Question to be made available? There are many rumours and reports in the Press that we are getting very much the worst of the bargain. While it is agreed that it is desirable to have reciprocal arrangements, let us at least know that we are getting our fair share.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I do not see how this statistical information can really be made available. I hope my hon. Friend will not attach undue importance to such rumours, because the members of the United States forces normally receive medical treatment under their own Service arrangements. Where that is not available, they normally get it from the nearest British Service medical establishment, and the National Health Service can be used where their own or British Service facilities are not available.

Mr. Johnson

Can my right hon. and learned Friend give the information about other aliens who are often said to come over to this country in large numbers to get operations free under the National Health Service?

Mr. Walker-Smith

No, I cannot give the information statistically, but I have already said in answer to Questions in this House that our best estimate of the cost leads us to suppose that it is negligible in relation to that of the National Health Service.

Mr. Chetwynd

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman resist all these arguments to try to get him to restrict the Service and press ahead with a better scheme for getting reciprocal arrangements elsewhere?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I took the opportunity in my speech on the National Health Service Contributions Bill last week to express my appreciation to those hon. Members who put down Questions which enable me to present this matter in its proper context.