§ Mr. Grovesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of a leaflet issued by his Department stating that, while a voluntary hospital would probably not have made any formal charge for treatment rendered, the patient should make a voluntary contribution; and whether he will consider in all cases where the State assumes responsibility treatment should be free?
Mr. JohnstonThe leaflet refers to certain classes of patient for whose treatment I have no statutory responsibility, but who are in present circumstances being admitted to hospitals administered directly by the Department of Health for Scot land. If the hon. Member will refer to the third paragraph of the leaflet he will see that the intention is that, in regard to any payment for the cost of their treatment, such patients should be in substantially the same position as if they had been admitted to a voluntary hospital.