§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the range of chronic illnesses recognised as permanent or long-term with which the patient is obliged to pay charges for prescriptions; how many people in England and Wales are known to be suffering from these illnesses; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how much is paid each year from the Exchequer towards supplementing the cost of prescriptions prepared for patients with chronic illnesses recognised as permanent or long-term; and what would be the additional annual cost to the Exchequer if these patients were taken off the season ticket charge system and given prescriptions without charge.
§ Mr. AlisonThe information requested is not available because it is not practicable to produce a comprehensive list of such illnesses owing to the great variability in course and duration of many medical conditions. Certain readily identifiable medical conditions which in virtually all cases require continuous medication for long periods are exempt from prescription charges. The prepayment certificate is available for other patients who need frequent prescriptions and are not exempt on grounds of age or income.