Private Health Insurance

HC Deb 21 January 1988 vol 125 cc852-3W

Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy to facilitate employee and individual enrolment in private health insurance schemes.

Mrs. Currie

I welcome the fact that the number of people covered by private medical insurance has almost doubled since 1979—from 2.75 million to 5.25 million in 1986. This record clearly demonstrates the ability of the medical insurance industry to respond to the growing demand for greater choice in health care.

The Government are determined to encourage the industry's continuing expansion. Tax concessions have been given on employer-paid medical insurance premiums for people earning less than £8,500 p.a. since 1980.