§ 27. Mr. William Teelingasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will accept liability for the new cost for prescriptions, as was done before the National Health Act was passed, for chronically disabled ex-Service men suffering from duodenal and similar troubles due to war service.
§ 29. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Pensions whether prescription fees will be required from disabled ex-Service pensioners for treatment of the disability in respect of which the pension was awarded.
§ 30. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Pensions what method will be adopted to ensure that war-pensioners who are receiving treatment for pensionable disability will be exempt from the charge which is to be made for prescriptions.
§ 31. Sir Ian Fraserasked the Minister of Pensions if he can give an assurance that the proposed charge for medicines prescribed under the National Health service will not adversely affect the rights to free medicine enjoyed before the National Health Service Act by disabled ex-Service men and women.
§ Mr. MarquandThe pensions instruments ensure free treatment—including medicines and dressings—for war pensioners for their pensioned disabilities. I shall continue to discharge this obligation. Detailed arrangements will be announced when a change has been made in the existing provisions of the National Health Service.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWhile thanking the Minister for that answer, may I ask if he will take special care to ensure that doctors and chemists, as well as ex-Service men, are made acquainted with this very valuable concession?
§ Mr. MarquandUntil my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health has made his regulations, it is hardly possible for me to say exactly how my obligations will be discharged.
§ Sir I. FraserIs it not a fact that the change in the law will have to be provided in the amending health Measure now going through another place? Will an opportunity be afforded to prevent the amendment barring these men, even for a short time?
§ Mr. MarquandI think it is too early to say precisely in what form we shall make the provision, but provision will be made in accordance with the Royal Warrant.
§ Mr. CollinsCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the change in respect of disabled men, whatever may be necessary, will coincide with the introduction of the restrictions?
§ Mr. MarquandCertainly, disabled men have never, during the last 30 years, failed to receive the free treatment and they will not fail now.