Written question asked by Lord Lansley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 June 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 July 2009. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Thursday, 16 July 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer to Lord Laird of 1 June 2009, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA32, on health: former UK residents, for what reasons the UK has not made claims against other EU member states in relation to overseas visitors treated by the devolved health authorities; and what estimate he has made of the cost of treatment provided by devolved health authorities in respect of which the UK has not made a claim in each of the last 10 years.

Answer: So far, it has not been possible to establish why claims have not been raised by the United Kingdom in respect of treatment provided by the devolved health authorities. However, the Department is working with the Ministry of Justice to identify the information requirements from the devolved Administrations so that this matter can be resolved. As referred to in the answer to Lord Laird of 1 June 2009, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA32, departmental officials are currently exploring the scope for obtaining the necessary data. Until systems are in place, it is not possible to make a meaningful estimate of the cost of treatment not historically claimed for.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 496 c664-5W;496 c664W; 284280
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Health: Former UK Residents
Monday, 1 June 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Health services Reciprocal arrangements
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk