§ 27. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health if he will adjust the terms of service for general practitioners so that patients are not only entitled to immunisation and vaccination free, but that certificates needed for travel purposes which record such services are issued without payment by the patient.
§ Mr. RobinsonNo, Sir. I am advised that such a change would require legislation.
§ Mr. PavittWill my right hon. Friend have a look at this again with a view to introducing legislation, as some general practitioners charge as much as five guineas for this service, although the majority make only a nominal charge? If he cannot introduce legislation, will he again consider making these earnings part of the deduction from the central pool?
§ Mr. RobinsonI would not be entitled to do that, because this is not income 908 derived from the National Health Service. I would hesitate to introduce legislation to amend this situation, because I am anxious to reduce as much as possible the amount of certification work done by doctors. I am discussing with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance ways in which this might be achieved.