HC Deb 15 May 1984 vol 60 c144W
Mr. Greg Knight

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what criteria are used to determine whether an operation should be carried out by the National Health Service at public expense where such operation is of a supposed cosmetic nature; if he intends to review such criteria; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

The decision about whether a particular treatment should be given under the National Health Service depends on the medical assessment of the patient's needs, in the light of the availability of resources and other demands being made on them.