§ 23. Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will add cystic fibrosis to the list of medical conditions which qualify the patients for exemption from prescription charges.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have a great deal of sympathy for people suffering from conditions such as cystic fibrosis not included in the exemption arrangements. In fairness, however, no one condition can be considered in isolation for addition to the list. I regret that because of the significantly increased costs which would arise if the list of specified medical conditions were to be extended, I cannot agree to widen the present arrangements.
Many adults suffering from cystic fibrosis will already qualify for exemption—for example, on income grounds.