§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many persons not permanently resident in the United Kingdom were treated in United Kingdom hospitals under the NHS over the last 12 months for which figures are available;
(2) in what circumstances a person not permanently resident in the United Kingdom is given free treatment in a United Kingdom hospital; and how many such cases occurred in the last 12 months for which figures are available.
§ Mr. MoyleAs well as permanent residents other persons who are ordinarily 407W resident in the United Kingdom are regarded as eligible for treatment under the NHS. Included in this group are people in certain categories who may have come here recently from abroad—for example, immigrants, people holding work permits, members of staffs of embassies and consulates and High Commissions in post in the United Kingdom, and visitors staying for prolonged periods. Others, not ordinarily resident here, may have entitlement under reciprocal agreements or EEC regulations.
Under the "Good Samaritan" policy overseas visitors not covered by these arrangements are not denied free NHS emergency treatment if they fall ill or have accidents here or if a pre-existing condition grows unexpectedly worse and its treatment cannot await their return home.
The total number of people treated under these arrangements is not known.