§ 34. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that National Health Service Executive Councils vary considerably in their judgment on applications for the replacement of lost or damaged dentures; what are the general principles that determine when careless-less justifies full charge for denture replacement; and to what extent these apply to dentures lost on a sea voyage or similar misfortune.
§ Mr. PowellNo, Sir; the degree of any financial hardship; wholly.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes this not indicate a rather unsatisfactory position? Is the Minister not aware that in a large number of cases there are those who have lost their dentures under unfortunate circumstances, such as illustrated in the last sentence of my Question, and they have not been able to get new dentures save by paying the full amount? In those circumstances, would he not agree that, as it is most difficult to define or to prove carelessness, it would be much simpler to arrange that the application for new dentures should not be made within a certain time, unless under exceptional circumstances?
§ Mr. PowellI do not think that this would be either a reasonable or a fair way of dealing with the matter. Loss or damage due to accidental causes must be reasonably established to the satisfaction of the executive council. Where it is not established but financial hardship would arise the executive council has discretion.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has any information as to either the number or the percentage of rejections of claims of this type?
§ Mr. PowellNot without notice. There is no appeal on this to me; it is a matter for the executive council.