National Health Service Income

HC Deb 27 April 1976 vol 910 cc185-6

15. Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to increase National Health Service income.

Mr. Ennals

The Government's plans for increasing financial provision for the National Health Service were published in the White Paper on Public Expenditure, Cmnd. 6393.

Mr. Dykes

Will the Secretary of State also consider making proposals to the Royal Commission, based on the experience of other European countries, and consider again the question of lotteries, as held in France and Eire, greater medical insurance, as in Germany, and fees for general practitioner visits, as in the Channel Islands?

Mr. Ennals

A number of the proposals made by the hon. Gentleman would not find much favour in the House or in the country, but certainly the Royal Commission will be in a position to look very widely at these questions. The points made in the House will be noted by the chairman and members of the Royal Commission once it is set up.