§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimates he has made of the cost to the National Health Service in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99 of treating patients previously covered by private health insurance. [22464]
§ Mr. MilburnNo such estimates have been made. The numbers covered by private medical insurance have fallen since 1990. Any additional demand from an increase in numbers failing to renew policies will be covered by the additional resources both this year and next.