HC Deb 14 November 1966 vol 736 c34
55. Mr. Whitaker

asked the Minister of Health whether, as soon as economic circumstances allow, he will introduce legislation to end the charges made by hospitals to the victims of motoring accidents.

Mr. K. Robinson

The charges are made not to patients as such, but to vehicle users or their insurers, but I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

Mr. Whitaker

Is not this practice adding insult to injury, and is it not a complete anomaly in the National Health Service?

Mr. Robinson

The abolition of these charges would result in a loss to the hospital services of about £600,000 a year at present and there may be other more pressing candidates for the funds available. These charges arise under Sections 212 and 213 of the Road Traffic Act, 1960, and, as my hon. Friend suggests, it would require legislation to change the position.

Mr. Doughty

Is it not a fact that any abolition of these charges would increase the cost of the National Health Service, as they are now paid by insurance companies and others?

Mr. Robinson

That is a fact. That is what I said in my previous answer.