§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the cost to the National Health Service of medical treatment provided to overseas visitors during the last convenient annual period; and whether any recovery of cost is made from any foreign country or person;
(2) what is her best estimate of the cost of medical services provided by foreign countries for United Kingdom residents; and whether any payment is made by the United Kingdom in consideration therefor.
§ Dr. OwenInformation about the cost to the National Health Service of medical treatment provided to overseas visitors is not available as details are not compiled and it would be too expensive to do so. Costs are recovered from patients receiving private treatment, and from other countries in the European Economic Community in respect of certain of the patients treated under European Economic Community regulations.
No estimate of the cost of treatment provided by foreign countries for United Kingdom residents is possible and I have no general powers to reimburse such costs. However, under the European Economic Community Social Security Regulations payments are made in certain circumstances for medical care provided by member countries for persons 662W normally resident in other member countries. The net cost of such arrangements to this country is estimated at about £½ million in the current year.