§ Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in how many cases he has authorised access by private patients to specialised facilities in the 463W National Health Service under Section 8 of the Health Services Act: what charges he has made in each case; and what conditions for such access he has laid down.
§ Mr. EnnalsNone so far. I am currently discussing with representatives of the medical profession and intend shortly to consult other interested bodies about the detailed procedures for affording private patients access to specialised facilities in NHS hospitals under the provisions of Section 8 of the Health Services Act.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN RECEIPT OF, AND ANNUAL COST OF, ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE IN WALES Number of people in receipt of attendance allowance as at 31st March Estimated cost of attendance allowance for year ending 5th April Higher rate Lower rate Total £ million 1973 … … … … 7,000 * 7,000 2 1974 … … … … 8,000 3,600 11,500 3 1975 … … … … 9,600 5,700 15,300 5 1976 … … … … 10,800 7,500 18,300 8 1977 … … … … 12,000 9,300 21,300 11 * Lower rate attendance allowance was introduced in stages between June and December 1973.