HC Deb 11 May 1982 vol 23 cc594-5
14. Mr. Alexander

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many National Health Service patients are treated in private acute hospitals.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The latest available figures show that in England in 1980 there were 23,700 in-patient treatments and 116,500 out-patient attendances under contractual arrangements made by health authorities with institutions outside the NHS. Separate information for private acute hospitals is not available.

Mr. Alexander

Does my hon. and learned Friend agree that that reply indicates how foolish it would be for the Labour Party to decide to scrap private medicine, since private medicine is a contributor to, rather than a burden upon, the National Health Service? Is it not the case that all the costs of private sector use of National Health Service facilities are refunded by the private sector? If so, should we not be asking for more partnership between the two rather than having ideological conflict?

Mr. Clarke

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. It would be foolish and impracticable to suggest the ending of private medicine in this country. I agree that the private and public sectors have a great deal to contribute in terms of assisting each other, and both are additions to the health care of the country. As regards income, it is estimated that pay beds alone will contribute an extra £52 million to the National Health Service next year.

Mr. Cryer

Does the hon. and learned Gentleman agree that the private sector acts as a drain on the National Health Service? Is this not confirmed by the fact that the Minister's predecessor said that he was keeping under review the possibility of levying the private sector to provide training facilities? Is it not a disgrace that the Government are encouraging private clinics, such as the Yorkshire clinic near my constituency, that act as a drain on the National Health Service without making any contribution to patient care?

Mr. Clarke

My hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Mr. Alexander) is correct in what he said a moment ago. We ensure that the private sector pays the full cost to the Health Service of any facilities that it uses. We are anxious to develop the partnership between the two sectors and the mutual benefit that each can derive. We are considering ways in which the private sector can improve its contribution to the training of staff. The general case made by the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Cryer) is not sustained by the facts.