Alvarez-Rosete et al are astonished at the difficulty in obtaining
some basic NHS statistics. I am astonished at their statement that “Since
1948 the NHS has provided universal coverage that is free at the point of
use…”.
In 1951 Nye Bevan and Harold Wilson resigned from the Labour
government because their colleagues forced through a proposal to introduce
prescription charges, and fees for dental and optical care (1). Labour
introduced the fees for dentures and spectacles before losing the 1951
election. The victorious Conservatives activated the prescription charge.
Rapid Response:
Resigning issue: NHS charges
Alvarez-Rosete et al are astonished at the difficulty in obtaining
some basic NHS statistics. I am astonished at their statement that “Since
1948 the NHS has provided universal coverage that is free at the point of
use…”.
In 1951 Nye Bevan and Harold Wilson resigned from the Labour
government because their colleagues forced through a proposal to introduce
prescription charges, and fees for dental and optical care (1). Labour
introduced the fees for dentures and spectacles before losing the 1951
election. The victorious Conservatives activated the prescription charge.
(1) Foot M. Aneurin Bevan. Vol. 2. 1945--1960. London: Davis-Poynter,
1973.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests