§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health in what way a co-payment for health or social services will differ from a charge. [102151]
§ Angela EagleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce co-payments for the public services for which he is responsible. [102200]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 10 March 2003]: As my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister made clear on 2 April 2003, Official Report, columns. 914–15, we have no intention of introducing co-payments or extending charges whereby patients or users pay for a proportion of their treatment or care, beyond those services such as prescriptions and dentistry to which they already apply and which have been in place for some time.