§ Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what provision is made in the case of chronically sick persons who have frequently to collect prescriptions, for compensating them for additional expenses incurred in collecting prescriptions, such as bus fares.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe supplementary benefit scale rates include provision for local fares. Where the cost of fares to collect prescriptions is more than can400W reasonably be met from the scale rates, and cheaper alternative arrangements for collection of a prescription cannot be made. The Supplementary Benefits Commission will consider the case on its merits.
§ Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons are entitled to obtain free prescriptions; and, of these, how many receive free prescriptions because their prescription charges exceeds £2.70p a week.
§ Mr. MoyleI regret that information is not available in the form requested. However, in Great Britain in 1975 about 26 million people were entitled to exemption from prescription charges by virtue of their age or because they were covered by an exemption certificate. The refund of prescription charges on income grounds depends on the amount paid in any one week and the person's income in relation to his requirements as assessed by supplementary benefit standards.