Mr. Dixonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is her estimate of the private fees received by consultants having patients in NHS hospitals; and whether this figure has been included in her estimate of £17 million for the cost of phasing out pay beds.
§ Dr. OwenI have made no estimate of private medical earnings. In its 1974 Report, however, the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body estimated the average net private earnings in 1971–72 of part-time consultants as £2,755. Only a portion of these fees will, however, come as a direct result of having private patients in NHS hospitals since it includes fees for patients treated in private hos604W pitals and also consultations in private consulting rooms. This figure is quite separate from the £17 million which it is estimated will be paid to health service authorities in the current financial year by private patients for accommodation and services in NHS hospitals.