NHS: Funding

Lord Patel Excerpts
Monday 17th November 2014

(10 years ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Patel Portrait Lord Patel (CB)
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My Lords, as it is nearly Christmas I have not given the Minister the advantage of seeing the question beforehand, but with his dexterity in answering I am sure that he will answer it straight. Can he predict which party, elected into government next May, will keep the NHS free at the point of need?

Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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My Lords, I cannot speak for a party other than my own, but I can tell the noble Lord firmly that we are averse to any system of charging and wish to keep the NHS free at the point of use, regardless of ability to pay.