HC Deb 13 July 1982 vol 27 cc845-6
10. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make an estimate of the current cost benefit to the Health Service of the existence of private practice.

Mr. Fowler

In 1981–82, income for the National Health Service from private patients treated in NHS hospitals in England was about £52 ½ million. Substantially more than that is spent on health care within the independent sector. The main benefit of private health care is that it adds to the total resources available and offers patients a wider range of choice.

Mr. Taylor

Does the Minister agree that the increasing complexity and cost of hospital treatment, and the substantial increase in percentage of elderly people in the population, make it difficult for any Government to find the resources to maintain a universal free service? In those circumstances, will the Minister do all in his power to encourage organisations such as BUPA, so that resources can be directed into the Health Service and existing strains upon it reduced?

Mr. Fowler

I agree with everything that my hon. Friend has said. We must achieve a partnership between the provision of private health care and the National Health Service. That is the aim of Government policy and could lead to good results for the public.

Mr. Cryer

Will the Minister set against that £52.5 million the costs arising from private patients? Can he quantify the cost of the use by consultants of National Health Service facilities for private purposes? Can he also quantify the cost of the training, using National Health Service facilities, of the people who enter the private sector, which provides no training whatever?

Mr. Fowler

The contributions are made by the private health service direct to the regions involved. To repeat what I said earlier, in addition to our private health policy we are increasing our pro vision to the public Health Service.

Mr. Bill Walker

Does my right hon. Friend agree that those who make use of private health facilities in Britain have already contributed through the Exchequer to any share of health services that they enjoy?

Mr. Fowler

That is right. I believe that it is the overwhelming view of hon. Members that the public should have a right to pay insurance for their health care.

Mr. Terry Davis

Will the Secretary of State now answer the question? If he is claiming a revenue of £52½million for the National Health Service, what is the cost of providing those services?

Mr. Fowler

There is no neat answer to that. [Interruption.] There are costs involved. Money goes direct to the regions and is in addition to the regional funds.