§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the net revenue to be obtained by charging overseas visitors for National Health Service treatment; and how he has arrived at this figure.
§ Dr. VaughanThe estimated net revenue to the NHS in England is £5 million per year at November 1979 prices. The figure is based on estimates of the number of visitors from countries outside the European Community and not covered by reciprocal agreements and the average length of stay and on assumptions as to the likelihood that they will need medical treatment during their visit. The figure does not take account of increased income from private practice nor of the deterrent effect of the charges.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the numbers and cost of the additional staff required by (a) the Department of Health and Social Services and (b) health authorities, to implement the proposals contained in HN(81)13, "NHS Treatment of Overseas Visitors".
§ Dr. VaughanI do not expect that generally health authorities or the Department will need additional staff although I cannot rule out entirely the possibility that some hospitals may need additional clerical support.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has received from (a) area health authorities, (b) community health councils, (c) trade unions and (d) Health Service administrators
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§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the number of kidney sufferers in each of the European Economic Community countries treated by transplant, home dialysis, hospital dialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis techniques; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe following table gives the number of patients being treated by different methods in each member State on 31 December 1979. Figures for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis are not available separately; it is probable that most of those on home peritoneal dialysis and a few of those on hospital peritoneal dialysis were being treated by this method.
about HN(81)13, "NHS Treatment of Overseas Visitors"; and how many from each group were in favour of the proposals.
§ Dr. VaughanA total of 71 area health authorities, 87 community health councils, nine trade union bodies and 37 health districts have commented on HN(81)13.
There is a considerable measure of support for the principle of charging overseas visitors but some concern at the practical implications. We shall consult in due course with health authorities and others on a circular of guidance on the details of implementation.