§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what income was received in the last three years for services and treatment provided by the National Health Service to those resident outside the United Kingdom but who came to Britain specifically for treatment, or were here as visitors or were here for work purposes; and if he has any plans to change the level of charges made to those who use the National Health Service who live outside the United Kingdom.
§ Mrs. CurrieI am sorry I am not able to give my hon. Friend the figures he seeks. Information is not collected on the reasons why patients, resident outside the United Kingdom and treated in National Health Service hospitals, are present in the United Kingdom but not all those to whom he refers would be liable to charges. NHS charges to overseas visitors are normally reviewed annually, with revised charges applying from 1 April.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated cost of treatment provided under the National Health Service for those resident in European Community countries outside the United Kingdom, and if he has any plans to change the level of charges made to them.
§ Mr. NewtonNo comprehensive figures of costs of treatment provided under the National Health Service for nationals of other European Community member states are available.
Under EC regulations EC nationals receiving treatment in another member state are subject to the same charges as nationals of that member state. Any alterations in charges that may be proposed for users of the National Health Service would, therefore, equally apply to them.