HC Deb 01 May 1952 vol 499 cc112-4W
98. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Health whether he has given sanction to hospital management committees in Wales to issue forms to applicants who have made application for surgical appliances seeking an undertaking to pay charges before delivery; from what date such charges are to become payable if the forms are signed; why no reference is made to the proposal that applicants who are in receipt of National Assistance may have the charges refunded; and whether such forms will be withdrawn until the National Health Service Bill becomes law.

100. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Health what direction he has given to his officers with respect to the charges for surgical boots, etc.; if he is aware that hospital patients are informed that such charges are authorised by Act of Parliament and they are compelled to sign an agreement to pay; when this authority was given; and how far it is retrospective in effect.

104. Mr. Moody

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the regional officer for the Leeds and Sheffield area, before 21st April, 1952, notified people whose surgical shoes had already been sent in for repair that they must sign a form agreeing to pay the proposed charges if they were authorised by or under an Act of Parliament before they received delivery; and if he will see that this arrangement is cancelled and the forms destroyed.

105. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Bartholemew Hospital, Goole, is informing applicants for surgical boots that they may be charged the sum of £3 as a result of the Measures now under consideration by Parliament, although the patients ordered their boots last August; and whether he will instruct hospital committees that no charges for surgical appliances may be levied on orders placed prior to the enactment of the National Health Service Bill.

Mr. Crookshank

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given to the hon. Member for Barking (Mr. Hastings) on 24th April, and I will send them a copy of the circular letter that has been issued.

99. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Health how many of the hospital management committees in Wales have issued forms to applicants for appliances seeking their consent to pay the proposed charges under the National Health Service Bill when it becomes law; how many such forms have been issued; and how many have agreed to make payment.

Mr. Crookshank

The numbers are 13, 755 and 509, respectively.