§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy in allowing taxpayers to opt out of the National Health Service as part of alternative financing of the service, with individuals resorting to private health insurance schemes.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinIt is not feasible to allow opting out within the present statutory basis of the National Health Service. I am examining health care systems abroad to determine whether we can learn from others' experience, and since contracting out is a feature of some European health care systems, this is one possible area for study. It is far too early for any policy decision on the subject.