§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services with whom he has consulted to date about the manual of guidance for hospital staff which deals with National Health Service charges to overseas visitors; and what has been the reaction to his proposal.
31W
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeA draft manual has been sent for comment by 31 July to all health authorities, to the medical and nursing professions, the staff side of the General Whitley council, the CBI, the TUC, the Commission for Racial Equality, and to a number of organisations including the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, the British Refugee Council, the United Kingdom Committee for Overseas Student Affairs, the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom, the National Union of Students, and the British Tourist Authority, and to members of the working party on treatment of overseas visitors. It is too soon for all the comments to be received. We intend that, with help from those consulted, the manual will provide clear guidance to hospitals on identifying those liable to charges under the regulations and will minimise any risk of racial discrimination in the procedures adopted.