§ BARONESS BROOKE OF YSTRADFELLTEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Maesty's Government whether the Department of Health and Social Security offer any help to home dialysis patients for meeting the heavy expense of heating home extensions or mobile units in which treatment is carried out.
§ LORD WELLS-PESTELLMy Lords, the noble Baroness will know that as from April 1 last, when the National Health Service was reorganised, the Area Health Authority has been authorised to meet the cost of special heating of the dialysis room.
§ BARONESS BROOKE OF YSTRAD-FELLTEMy Lords, while thanking the Minister warmly for that most satisfactory reply, which must be one of the first benefits to emerge from the recent reorganisation of the National Health 195 Service undertaken by the last Government, may I ask him whether this indulgence will be available on a national basis, and whether the coming increases in the cost of electricity will be included in the allowances which are being made?
§ LORD WELLS-PESTELLMy Lords, with regard to the second part of the noble Baroness's supplementary question, I cannot say at this stage, but it is estimated that the cost of special heating for each patient will work out at between £25 and £45 per annum. Presumably there is a sufficient margin between the two figures to take into account certain increases in electricity charges.