§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors underlie his respective policies in respect of the inclusion or otherwise in the health benefits low income scheme of refunds of(a) dental charges, (b) prescription charges and (c) optical charges, other than the hospital eye service.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Government's policy on NHS charges is that those who can afford to contribute towards their treatment costs should do so whilst those who may have difficulty in paying should be protected. Extensive exemption arrangements on grounds of health or status are underpinned by the NHS low income scheme. The review of the administration of the low income scheme has re-examined the existing arrangements for charge remission including the availability of refunds.