asked the Minister of Health if he will require the regional hospital boards to arrange for notices to be placed in the out-patient departments of hospitals stating the amount that may be charged to casualties under the Road Traffic Act of 1934, and informing those who hold accident insurance policies that they can make a claim for a refund on the company concerned.

The emergency treatment charge is payable by the vehicle user, not by casualties as such. I cannot advise patients of their rights against insurance companies.

Then why is the actual patient quite often asked to pay 12s. 6d. before he leaves the hospital?

There is no right to ask anyone but the vehicle user to pay 12s. 6d. If my hon. Friend has a case in mind I shall he delighted to look at it.

Is it not worth while reconsidering this charge, which is made at a very awkward time and is very much resented?

Yes, Sir. In logic, I think that this charge is probably not entirely consistent with legislation since it was first imposed, but it does, of course, involve legislation to alter it.