HC Deb 05 December 1966 vol 737 cc929-30
48. Mr. Dean

asked the Minister of Health how much he estimates will be paid during 1967 by National Health Service patients in respect of the four new charges to be introduced on 1st January, 1967.

Mr. K. Robinson

These are charges for services outside the National Health Service. I cannot estimate what will be paid, but the total is unlikely to be large.

Mr. Dean

In spite of that reply, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this means that he has now removed his previous policy with regard to abolishing all charges within the National Health Service, and can he further say whether he agrees with Professor Abel-Smith in his suggestion that there should be charges in other aspects of the Health Service as well?

Mr. Robinson

No, Sir. This bears no relationship to policy on charges within the National Health Service.