HC Deb 18 November 1957 vol 578 cc4-5W
51. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the fact that people were told they could benefit in whole or in part from participation in the National Health Service, when he is proposing to allow people who employ doctors privately to have their drugs on the same basis as those who employ doctors within the National Health Service.

Mr. Walker-Smith

This proposal, which would involve legislation, raises difficulties, notably that it would increase the cost of the drug bill. Its implications are being explored with the British Medical Association but I could not hold out hope of embarking at the present time on a course which must lead to increased expenditure.