50th Anniversary Of The Nhs In England And Wales

EDM number 152 in 1996-97, proposed by Paddy Ashdown on 06/11/1996.

That this House salutes the 50th anniversary of the National Health Service in England and Wales; is proud that, following on from David Lloyd George's groundbreaking 1911 National Insurance Act, the National Health Service was a necessary pre-requisite for Sir William Beveridge for his other social welfare reforms proposed in 1942; regrets that the Conservative Party consistently voted against the setting up of the National Health Service; is grateful that Aneurin Bevan persuaded his party to legislate to set up the National Health Service, with Liberal support; welcomes this week's indication of some extra resources for the National Health Service but remembers this follows last year's expenditure round in which the Government committed itself to lower National Health Service growth than at any time since the late 1970s; and believes that in the years immediately ahead only the Liberal Democrats will provide the necessary leadership, policies and finance for this most fundamental and proud public service, which is Liberal in inspiration, origin, and principle.

This motion has been signed by a total of 20 MPs.