CHRISTCHURCH MP Sir Christopher Chope has put forward legislation that could end the long-established principle of the NHS being free at the point of use.

The veteran Conservative politician has tabled the National Health Service (Co-Funding and Co-Payment) Bill, which brings the subject of charging for GP visits and hospital procedures into debate.

Currently NHS prescriptions, dentistry and opticians services come with charges.

The bill, which is attempting to amend the National Health Service Act 2006, is scheduled for its second reading next month.

It was first presented to Parliament in last September, however no debate took place as this was the first reading of the legislation.

The printed version of the bill was recently published and detailed the amendments Sir Christopher is seeking to make.

The summary of the proposed legislation says: "A bill to make provision for co-funding and for the extension of co-payment for NHS services in England; and for connected purposes."