HC Deb 22 October 1979 vol 972 cc91-2W
Mr. Best

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will change the situation whereby females can obtain free prescriptions over the age of 60 years but males cannot receive free prescriptions until after the age of 65 years.

Dr. Vaughan

No. I think it quite reasonable to relate this provision to pensionable age.

Mr. Best

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the cost of allowing free prescriptions to those in receipt of invalidity benefit who are (a) males under the age of 65 years and (b) females under the age of 60 years; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

In England, to exempt all recipients of contributory invalidity benefit from prescription charges who are not otherwise exempt would cost approximately:

  1. (a) £1.6 million for males under the age of 65 years;
  2. (b) £0.4 million for females under the age of 60 years.

We have no plans at present to extend exemption to this group.

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