§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what National Health Service facilities are accorded to Australian nationals visiting this country.
§ Dr. VaughanIn the absence of a reciprocal health agreement, Australians not ordinarily resident in this country do not have any rights to treatment under the National Health Service. Those coming here for treatment have to make arrangements for treatment as private patients. Under our present policy, which is under review, Australians visiting this country on business, holiday or other purposes who fall ill while here are treated free under the National Health Service as emergencies as a concession.
§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, what efforts he is making to establish reciprocal health treatment arrangements between the United Kingdom and Australia.
448W
§ Dr. VaughanThe subject was last discussed with the Australian Commonwealth Department of Health in November 1980, as a result of which further proposals are awaited.