§ Mr. McFallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the financial cost to the national health service of the cutback in military medical facilities since 1975.
§ Mr. DorrellApart from the services provided to the dependants of military personnel, the treatment which military hospitals provide to civilians is undertaken to ensure adequate training and professional opportunities for the staff of such hospitals. It is not taken into account when determining the funding requirements of the national health service, or when allocating funds to regional health authorities.
§ Mr. McFallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the cost of measures presently being undertaken in the national health service as a result of a possible military conflict in the Gulf.
§ Mr. DorrellThe national health service has at all times the function of ensuring that it is in a position to respond effectively to a major emergency. Contingency plans are reviewed regularly in the light of prevailing circumstances. The cost of maintaining this function is not held centrally.