15. The Rev. LI. Williamsasked the Minister of Health if he will give an estimate of the number of persons who are eligible on the ground of economic circumstances to receive medically prescribed items free of charge and of the number of these who are old-age pensioners.
§ Mr. TurtonThe prescription charge will be refunded without further inquiry to persons already receiving National Assistance, who on 25th September numbered 1,628,000 of whom 1,065,000 were receiving retirement or non-contributory old-age pensions. I am afraid I am not able to form any reliable estimate of the number of other people who may apply and be found eligible for a refund.