asked the Minister of Health if he will make it an offence subject to disciplinary action for any employee of the National Health Service, other than the consultant directly concerned, to offer to arrange a private fee-paying consultation or to advise this action as a means of securing speedier service than can be offered by a hospital through its normal arrangements.

I agree that any such action by an employee, except at the patient's request, would be wrong. This is generally understood in the hospital service, but my right hon. Friend will remind hospital authorities of the point.

Does that mean that the Minister will send out a circular to hospital author ties on the lines I proposed in my Question? I thank the hon. Gentleman for his reply to the specific case I raised where this actually occurred, and I look forward to receiving the result of his further investigation in due course.

We shall advise hospital authorities on this. When my inquiries are completed in the case the hon. Gentleman has raised, I will get in touch with him at once.