§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy on the introduction of a primary care consultation fee or a National Health Service-related personal tax.
Mr. FoW1erI have no plans to introduce a primary care consultation fee. On the broader question of NHS financing, my predecessor announced on 30 July the establishment of a working party to study alternative methods of financing health care. I have made clear that any proposals must fully maintain the principle that adequate health care should be available for all, regardless of the ability to pay. This Government are fully committed to the NHS, and it is for this reason that we have increased spending on it with substantial benefits to patients.