BRITISH HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION

Early day motion 527, tabled 15 January 2003 by Ken Purchase (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 102 members.

That this House expresses its appreciation to the British Health Care Association for its work in supporting the NHS and its users; notes the cash and gifts of equipment made to the NHS by the member organisations of the BHCA continuing year on year; further notes that the 17 organisations who are members of the BHCA cover 1.7 million NHS patients and that these not-for-profit funds offer practical low-cost cover to meet the unavoidable additional expenses of visiting dentists, opticians and many alternative and complementary treatments, specialist consultations and investigations; observes that benefits include provision of cash payments for time spent in hospital, grants for maternity and home help in addition to generous payments for personal injury and disability; appreciates the not-for-profit approach of this sector; looks forward to the BHCA and its members continuing to make a valuable contribution to a healthier nation; and invites the Secretary of State for Health and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to continue to take full account of this worthwhile contribution in the development of future health and taxation policies.

Signatures by party: Labour 61, Liberal Democrat 15, Conservative 10, Labour/Co-operative 7, DUP 4, UUP 4, Plaid Cymru 1.