§ 24. Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy with regard to the future financing of capital and current expenditure of the National Health Service.
§ 62. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what factors he is taking into account in deciding his policy for the future financing of capital of the National Health Service.
§ Sir K. JosephI have nothing to add to the Government's proposals for capital and current expenditure in the health and personal social services referred to in the White Paper on Public Expenditure 1969–70 to 1974–75 (Cmnd. 4578). Alternative sources of revenue for the health services are constantly under consideration.
§ Mr. CroninCan the right hon. Gentleman assure us that in future arrangements that he makes in changing the financing of the National Health Service a situation will not arise where some people get a distinctly inferior form of treatment to others?
§ Sir K. JosephI have told the House that any changes we make will be subject to the guarantee that no one will thereby be deterred from getting proper health treatment.
§ Mr. DalyellUnder the heading of alternative sources of revenue, what extra charges are contemplated for the patients?
§ Sir K. JosephI have told the House that, as I believe was true of the last Government, we are considering all manner of possible sources of revenue, 1178 but I assure the House that, as far as I can see, the National Health Service will remain overwhelmingly financed by taxation and contributions even when these have been brought about.