To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the Government policy is on charges for health services.[125417]

Treatment provided by the national health service is free at the point of delivery, except in cases where specific legislation has been passed allowing a charge to be made. The current services for which a charge can be made are:

• prescriptions
• dental services
• the supply of optical appliances by the hospital eye service
• treatment of private patients
• treatment of overseas visitors
• appliances such as wigs and fabric supports

The NHS can also charge for the provision of accommodation and services for private resident and non-resident patients.In addition to the above, NHS hospitals can charge for certain patient services using income generation powers. However, a charge can only be made where the service is considered to be additional treatments over and above the normal service provision. Any item or service that is considered to be an integral part of a patient's treatment by their clinician will remain free of charge.