asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any priority for National Health Service care has been given to, as a World War II veteran and cancer patient, Eric Friar (who is also suffering from dementia and is almost blind) by his primary care trust in Gloucestershire; and whether they are considering any action in relation to or as a result of this case. [HL4102]

I am sorry to hear that Mr Eric Friar is in a poor state of health. I am advised by NHS South West that Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust (PCT) is in touch with Mrs Friar about the care required for her husband.

Guidance on the right of disabled war pensioners to receive priority treatment in National Health Service hospitals was published in HSG (97)31. The right is not absolute and the guidance specifies that NHS hospitals should give priority to war pensioners, both as out-patients and in-patients, for examination or treatment that relates to the condition or conditions for which they receive a pension or received a gratuity (unless there is a emergency case or another case demands clinical priority).

South West Strategic Health Authority expects all primary care trusts to comply with this guidance and I understand that Gloucestershire PCT has confirmed that it does.