§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will institute arrangements for the payment of legitimate expenses to those NHS patients who find their hospital consultation has been cancelled owing to the unexpected absence of the doctor or consultant they were due to see.
§ Dr. OwenNo. So far as I am aware such cancellations would occur only in case of an unusual and unexpected emergency. If the hon. Member wishes me to look into a particular case, I would willingly do so.