HC Deb 09 April 1973 vol 854 c233W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of foreign private patients being treated in National Health Service hospitals.

Sir K. Joseph

I regret that no information is available beyond that provided by my Department to the Expenditure Committee and published in Appendix 9 of its Fourth Report.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services upon what basis he concluded that British citizens would seek private treatment abroad were it not available in Great Britain.

Sir K. Joseph

On the basis that patients who wished to be treated as private patients would have no alternative but to seek the facilities they require abroad if they are not available in this country.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will carry out a survey of all charges to private patients with a view to ensuring that they fully reflect the cost of the service provided.

Sir K. Joseph

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 44 of Cmnd. 5270. These charges are regularly reviewed.