§ Dr. Millerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services with which medical and trade union organisations he has had consultations in regard to the structure and the financing of the National Health Service in the United Kingdom it Great Britain joins the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephAccession to the European Economic Community does not necessitate any change in the structure and financing of the National Health Service, and there has been no need for such consultations.
§ Dr. Millerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish details of the breakdown of the financing of the National Health Service in the United Kingdom and of the health services of the members of the European Economic Community.
§ Sir K. JosephThe National Health Service is financed as to about 86 per cent. from general taxation and local authority rates, 10 per cent. from contributions by employers and insured persons under the National Insurance146W Scheme, and 4 per cent. from charges to users.
I have no comparable information with regard to the countries of the European Economic Community, where medical benefits are provided as part of the contributory insurance schemes.