§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many foreign visitors to the United Kingdom who would not normally be entitled to such treatment received National Health Service treatment for each of the years 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983; how much was received by way of charges in each of these years; and what was the overall cost to the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNone of this information exists for the period up to 1 October 1982, when the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors (No. 2)) Regulations came into force. The rules of eligibility were uncertain and local practices were very variable before that date. Since that 679W date health authorities have been required to identify any overseas visitors who have not opted for private treatment and to charge those of them who are not exempt. The numbers identified and charged are not recorded centrally. The charges are set so as to reflect the cost of treatment. I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Members for Manchester, Central (Mr. Litherland), Crewe and Nantwich (Mrs. Dunwoody) and Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson) on 16 November 1983 at column 499–504 for the effects of the new arrangement so far on the income of health authorities.