HC Deb 18 February 1963 vol 672 cc28-9
40. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Health if he will now negotiate with the medical profession to ensure that certificates for vaccinations and inoculations needed for people spending holidays abroad shall be issued free from payment.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernard Braine)

No, Sir.

Mr. Pavitt

Is it not anomalous that in a free service patients should have to pay for certificates? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that charges range from 10s. 6d. to 5 guineas and that there is no set fee? Is it not ridiculous that at this stage of the National Health Service one has to pay for a certificate in order to travel?

Mr. Braine

Vaccination is provided free because it is the general practitioner's obligation, under his terms of reference, to provide proper and necessary treatment. But we see no case for the provision, as part of the general medical services, of certificates for people who may need them in order to travel abroad.