§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners make a charge for doctor's letters required to assist a patient's application for social housing; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaloneGeneral practitioners provide a range of services outside the national health service which are considered as private matters between patient and doctor. Such services, of which no record is held, include the writing of letters to provide medical information to a third party, such as a local authority housing department. Doctors are free to charge for such services, as they wish.