§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why residents of the British island of St. Helena, when evacuated to the United Kingdom for urgent medical treatment, are charged in the United Kingdom hospitals the full fees as private patients.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeUnder our reciprocal health care agreement with St. Helena, visitors from that island are exempt from NHS charges to overseas visitors for any treatment which becomes necessary during a visit. People from St. Helena who come to the United Kingdom in order to seek medical care are however liable to pay. They may choose to pay as private patients. If not, they will be charged under the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations.