§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health under what statutory authority hospitals may request payment for treatment from road accident victims; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleHospitals are empowered to collect an emergency treatment fee of £20.65 under section 158 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The fee must be covered by motor vehicle insurance policies and is payable by vehicle users in respect of each person given immediate treatment or examination arising from a road traffic accident.
Charges may also be made, under section 157, for subsequent in-patient or out-patient hospital treatment, up to ceilings of £2,856 and £286 respectively. These charges are levied directly on insurance companies, but only in cases where companies make third party payments.