§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he has taken, and is taking, to ensure that potential beneficiaries of the schemes for the abatement of prescription charges, for free welfare foods and free milk, and especially low-paid workers in the Manchester area and elsewhere, are fully informed of the rules of entitlement and aware of the methods of claiming entitlement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CrossmanSo far as welfare foods including milk are concerned the milk token book issued to every expectant mother draws attention to the availability of free foods for herself and her young children and advises parents to get any help they need from the local office of my Department. In addition books issued to expectant mothers and the first book156W for each child contain a leaflet indicating the income level below which the foods can be obtained free. In this way the possibility of getting free foods is brought to the notice of all prospective beneficiaries at the very time when the need for extra expenditure arises.
With regard to prescription charges an application form and leaflet explaining the income levels qualifying for free prescriptions and how to apply is available in post offices. As regards post offices in Manchester I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to him on 16th October. In addition, over half the prescriptions dispensed are for people (including all children under 15) who are exempt from charges in any case.—[Vol. 788, c. 134.]
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of low-paid workers, in the Manchester area and nationally, who are entitled to abatement of prescription charges, free welfare foods and free milk, but who have so far failed to apply; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CrossmanInformation is not available on which to base any reliable estimate.