§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he has not replied to the letter of the hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree of 28 February on the case of Mr. Jack Zussman relating to the repayment of £669.40 for private medical treatment following the refusal by the National Health Service to provide such treatment.
§ Dr. VaughanI judged it important to have a complete picture of the circumstances surrounding the treatment which Mr. Zussman received. I have had a detailed report from the Liverpool area health authority (teaching), but there are some important points on which further information is needed. I regret that I am not yet able to let my hon. Friend have a full reply, but I am pursuing the matter urgently with the authority. However, on the general policy issue which Mr. Zussman's case raises, it has been the policy of successive Governments since the inception of the National Health Service that patients who receive treatment privately must themselves meet the full cost.