Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Richard Taylor (Independent (affiliation)). It was answered on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Co-payments

Question: I also welcome the review that the Secretary of State has announced. Will he ensure that, in the deliberation, the needs of the silent voices—those who cannot afford the extra payments—are not forgotten?

Answer: The hon. Gentleman raises a very important issue. The scenario that many in the NHS feared, which has led to the guidance over the years, is that a patient in the first bed on a ward would be treated completely differently from the one in the second bed, because of their ability to pay. That is not the argument that has been raised by hon. Members in the House. I understand very clearly the fundamental points that are being made, particularly about Mrs. O’Boyle, who did not know that there was an obligation to pay for treatment until she had received it. But the hon. Gentleman, from his experience in the NHS, raises the fundamental, key issue, which I hope he will accept is very clearly set out in the terms of reference.

Secondary information