§ 88. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health what financial saving he now estimates will result from the charges imposed under the Health Service Act, 1952; how much of this saving results from a fall in use of the services concerned; and how the savings compare with the estimates originally given.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe estimated amount of the charges paid or to be paid in 1952-53 by patients in England and Wales under the 1952 Act is aboutf2 million. In addition, while figures to enable a complete estimate to be made are not available, the reduction in the demand for dental treatment and for hospital appliances for which charges are made compared with the previous year is estimated to show a saving of about fl3/4 million. Comparisons cannot usefully be made with estimates framed in the expectation that the charges would operate for a full year and before modifications in the original proposals were made.