HC Deb 26 April 1994 vol 242 c94
8. Mr. Miller

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many civil servants in her Department have taken up the offer from the Friendly Society to join the health scheme.

Mr. Sackville

This is a matter for the individuals concerned.

Mr. Miller

It is extraordinary that the Minister seems unwilling to comment on advertising that clearly seeks to encourage people to queue-jump in the health service. Will he unequivocally condemn the advertising material that is currently circulating, which encourages queue-jumping among civil servants in his own Department?

Mr. Sackville

The Post Office and Civil Service Sanatorium Society, now known as The Society, offers certain services that cost its members 45p a week to supplement, rather than substitute for, the NHS. Its 1 million or so public sector or ex-public sector members will take due note of the hon. Gentleman's attitude. Perhaps he will find something more substantive to ask me on another occasion.

Mr. Dickens

Is not it always the Conservative party that has stood for freedom of choice? Do not we believe that people should be allowed to spend their own money on whatever they choose? Of course, that is a fact, and long may it continue.

Mr. Sackville

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The hon. Gentleman's question gives us some foretaste of the horrors to come in the unlikely event of a Labour Government.