§ Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what are the present charges made for X-raying foreign patients; how long it is since those charges were increased; and what further increases he will consider in the light of the present rate of inflation;
(2) what is the present charge made to foreign patients for consultations in hospitals; how long it is since that charge was increased; and what further increases he has in mind to keep pace with inflation.
§ Mr. MoylePatients resident overseas who come to this country for medical treatment and seek it in NHS hospitals are treated as private patients unless they are eligible for NHS treatment by virtue of reciprocal agreements or EEC regulations. Visitors who fall ill while in this country are entitled to free emergency treatment under the NHS.
The hospital charge to a private outpatient for a general consultation is £3 and for an X-ray examination from £6 to £18 depending upon its complexity. In addition, the patient may be liable to pay a fee to the consultant. These charges were increased with effect from 1st April 1977. My right hon. Friend proposes to review them annually.