HC Deb 18 March 1976 vol 907 cc630-1W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will now extend free prescriptions to all persons that are registered disabled persons.

Dr. Owen

Not all registered disabled persons require prescriptions. However, I shall be considering various ways of helping more of the chronically sick and disabled when we are able to make some further progress in phasing-out prescription charges. In the meantime, the prepayment certificate is available for patients who need frequent prescriptions and are not exempt on medical, age or low income grounds.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will refer for study and report by the Occupational Pensions Board the problems of disabled people who are because of their disabilities, refused employment, or debarred from membership of the scheme, or leave the scheme on account of the rules of the pension scheme run by their present or prospective employer.

Mr. O'Malley

This has been under consideration, and I hope to make an announcement shortly.