§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has completed his discussions with interested bodies about his proposal to recoup the costs of treating motor accidents; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EnnalsIn October last year I put forward as a basis for discussion with insurers and motoring organisations proposals for recouping the full cost to the NHS of treating road traffic casualties by a levy on individual motorists. In the course of discussions that have taken place it became apparent that a scheme of this kind would have inherent practical difficulties and be administratively expensive. I have therefore withdrawn the proposals and do not now intend to meet this cost by a levy.
A small off-setting reduction in the cost of centrally-financed health services will be made in 1977–78; the balance of the loss of savings will be accommodated within the planned levels of total public expenditure following the statement of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 15th December 1976.—[Vol. 922, c. 1525–58.]