HC Deb 06 May 1971 vol 816 cc1638-9
Q6. Mr. Ashley

asked the Prime Minister how many letters he has now received about the increased prescription charges and what replies he has sent.

The Prime Minister

Thirteen, Sir. The replies explain the part played by increased charges in enabling additional resources to be made available to the health and welfare services, and the extensive exemption arrangements for those in need.

Mr. Ashley

Will the right hon. Gentleman instruct the Secretary of State to drop the cost-related prescription charges, which will deter many working-class people from receiving medicine they badly need? Does the right hon. Gentleman regard these charges as a contribution towards his concept of one nation?

The Prime Minister

I am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman is talking about the existing arrangements for prescription charges. If there were to be any change, obviously my right hon. Friend would come to the House and there would be a debate about it.

Mr. Thorpe

If the Government are insistent, for doctrinaire reasons, on pressing on with prescription charges, surely we can expect an announcement that the idea of varying charges in accordance with the medicines prescribed will be dropped, since if the right hon. Gentleman has not discovered that this is administratively impossible, everyone else has?

The Prime Minister

I do not accept the right hon. Gentleman's conclusion. These are matters which have to be carefully examined, and it is not the case that everyone else has decided that any change in the present system is administratively impossible. There is no intention of dropping the present system completely and abolishing all charges. Nor do I think that is what the right hon. Gentleman and the Liberal Party want.

Mr. Pavitt

Will the Prime Minister discuss, as a matter of urgency, with the Secretary of State the crisis which has arisen since 1st April in one area of increased charges—the treatment of schizophrenia and mental illness? Is he aware that the increase has placed doctors dealing with these illnesses in great difficulty because they cannot prescribe large amounts at once and because multi-drug treatment is required? Is this not one special category of chronic sickness deserving special attention?

The Prime Minister

I am prepared to arrange with my right hon. Friend that this should be examined.