HC Deb 24 April 1961 vol 639 cc15-7
21. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will consider issuing a simple leaflet on, and giving more publicity to, the system of refunds of charges under the National Health Service.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Yes, Sir. The special leaflet, of which I told the House on 27th February, has been widely available since the beginning of this month. On the other steps being taken to secure proper publicity about this, I will write to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Can my right hon. Friend say exactly where this special leaflet is obtainable?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Certainly; it is available at all the offices of the National Assistance Board, and also at Citizens' Advice Bureaux, Old People's Welfare Committees and other local bodies, as well as in doctors' surgeries and in chemists' shops.

Mr. Houghton

Will the Minister watch this matter very carefully? Is he aware that on neither side of the House is there any real satisfaction that a solution has been found to this matter, and that there are widespread misgivings whether people who may be entitled to refunds will in fact get them? I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will fulfil the wishes of the House if he will watch the matter carefully.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I fully share the hon. Gentleman's desire on this matter and so does my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, who is, of course, responsible for the complementary steps being taken by way of information in doctors' surgeries, on the prescription form, and so on.

Mr. Fernyhongh

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that no matter how much publicity he may give to the idea of reclaiming charges that are imposed, the charges will nevertheless remain mean, despicable and indefensible?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think the hon. Gentleman has got it rather wrong.

Mr. P. Browne

Is my right hon. Friend aware that to my knowledge three days ago, a doctor with a large practice in my constituency said that he was not aware of the increased scope of these benefits under National Health scales, and will he consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to ensure that all doctors have this leaflet and are asked to display it in their surgeries?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am not at all clear what increased benefits my hon. Friend is talking about. So far as this particular doctor is concerned, if either my hon. Friend or the doctor himself would get in touch with the local office of the National Assistance Board, a supply of this leaflet can certainly be made available to him. So far as the other matter is concerned, that is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.