§ 45. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Executive Council of the National Health Service for the County Borough of Leicester has expressed full sympathy with the resolutions adopted by the Cumberland and Burton-on-Trent Executive Councils protesting against the increase in prescription charges; and whether he is taking steps to comply with the proposals of these councils.
§ Mr. PowellI am aware of the Executive Council's views, but the House has taken its decision on this matter.
§ Sir B. JannerIs the fact that the House has taken a decision, which is an appalling one, going to prevent the Minister from putting right what is obviously wrong? Is he aware that people are greatly disturbed about these charges, and that many people find that the whole thing is virtually impossible from their point of view because of their financial position?
§ Mr. PowellI believe that this policy is as widely supported in the country as it is in the House.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonIs it not a fact that the London Executive Council has also protested to the Minister about these prescription charges? Would he care to tell the House how many executive councils have protested, and what attention he will pay to these responsible bodies which are very closely concerned with the problem?
§ Mr. PowellI am seeing a deputation from the executive councils in the near future.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Blackburn Executive Council also sent him a protest concerning this matter? Will he take up the suggestion of my hon. Friend the Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. K. Robinson) and publish the list of all those which have protested?
§ Mr. PowellThis Question refers to a specific Executive Council.