§ 26. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Health whether, when his discussions with the British Medical Association are finished, he will issue a statement; and whether, during his negotiations, he will ask the Association for an estimate of the average weekly number of private patients who receive medicines or drugs.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe answer to both parts of the Question is "Yes", but I am not yet able to say when the discussions will be completed.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportIs it not extremely unfair that private patients who are forced to contribute to the National Health Service should have to pay for their own medicines and drugs? Is this not just the kind of vindictive Socialist legislation which the people of this country expect the Conservative Party to put right?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have indicated on a previous occasion that the Government are not unmindful of the principle which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, but I also said that it would not be possible at the present time to introduce legislation which would result in increased expenditure.