§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people in the Stockport area purchased prescription charges season tickets; how many had their charges refunded because of hardship for the most recent period for which figures are available; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that all those people intended to benefit from this provision do so.
§ Dr. OwenPrescription charges prepayment certificates issued by Stockport Family Practitioner Committee during the 12 months ending 30th June 1976 were 338 giving exemption from charges for314W six months and 1,356 giving exemption for 12 months. In the 12 months ending 15th June 1976, 25 refunds were made to people whose income was just above the qualifying level for regular free prescriptions, and in addition 49 exemption certificates were issued to people with low incomes in Stockport, entitling the holder and any dependants to free prescriptions for up to a year. All supplementary benefit and family income supplement beneficiaries are also entitled to prescription charge exemption. Leaflets describing the exemption arrangements are available from Post Offices. Every prescription form carries advice about exemptions and where to obtain the leaflets.