§ 25. Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Health what proposals he has to encourage the activities of private welfare organisations such as the British United Provident Association and the Hospital Savings Association in the light of the restraints on public expenditure expected to arise from the post-devaluation economic situation.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonNone, Sir.
§ Mr. BiffenWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the private sector makes a most welcome contribution to the total of our national resources which are devoted to health, and would not he further agree that that most welcome contribution is even more to be desired in the economic situation of post-devaluation?
§ Mr. RobinsonI remind the hon. Gentleman that medical manpower is limited and that if private patients claim disproportionately more of it there will be less of it for National Health Service patients.
§ Mr. DeanWill the right hon. Gentleman at least accept that the recent cuts in health and welfare expenditure highlight the importance of getting additional money into health through voluntary health insurance?
§ Mr. RobinsonNo, Sir. I do not think that that follows at all.