Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Just not the done thing.

Not the kind of statement we're accustomed to seeing from regional politicians:
"The Conservative Party will scrap free prescriptions for all in Wales if it gains power in the assembly. The party says those who can afford it should pay a modest charge in view of the huge financial pressures on the Welsh NHS. Free prescriptions began two years ago and the policy is being copied in Scotland and Northern Ireland."

The point being made is that there is, of course, no such thing as a "free" prescription- somewhere down the line someone pays, whether it be the taxpayer or a patient deprived of correct treatment.

Nothwithstanding the Welsh Conservatives' marvellous performance in the European Elections, I would say that their chances of ever being in a position to carry out this policy are minimal...but that being the case, this makes the pledge even more noteworthy and courageous. Hopefully other politicians of a more populist (and dishonest) bent in not only Cardiff, but also Belfast and Edinburgh will pay heed

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