§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is his Department's policy regarding issuing reminders for renewal of pre-payment certificates for National Health Service prescription charges: and what effect the present policy has had on the effective rate of renewal;
(2) what is his Department's policy with regard to late renewal of pre-payment certificates for National Health Service prescription charges and for re-imbursement regarding prescriptions dispensed during any intervening period.
§ Mr. NewtonFamily practitioner committees have been asked to issue reminder letters about 14 days before certificates expire. However, the responsibility for ensuring that an application is made on time rests with the applicant and prescription charges are payable for any period not covered by a valid certificate. Information distinguishing between renewals and other applications is not collected.