§ 17. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Health what consideration he has given to the possibility of disqualifying non-residents from free or preferential facilities under the National Health Service other than medical treatment.
§ Mr. PowellNon-residents have no such entitlement. I am considering how misuse can best be minimised.
§ 32. Mr. Hiltonasked the Minister of Health what is the average annual cost of providing free medical treatment and appliances to overseas visitors from non-reciprocating countries; and what he estimates would be the annual cost to the Exchequer of granting similar free facilities to British old-age pensioners.
§ Mr. PowellI would refer the hon. Member to my replies to my hon. Friend the Member for Cheadle (Mr. Shepherd) today and to the hon. Member for Islington, South-West (Mr. A. Evans) on 28th November.