§ Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services under what regulation a consultant who visits a patient in his home on the advice of a general practitioner, in the circumstances explained in a letter from the hon. Member for Heywood and Royton, makes a charge for his services despite the patient being a pensioner on supplementary benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonFees to consultants for visits to patients at home are payable by the hospital authorities concerned when the visits meet the appropriate criteria for domiciliary consultations as set out in paragraphs 140–149 of the Terms and Conditions of Service of Hospital Medical and Dental Staff (England and Wales). I will consider the case the hon. Member has in mind when relevant details are available.