§ Ms. RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will reconsider the practice by which mobile oxygen packs which are fitted with a mask, the latter being unprescribable, results in the whole kit becoming unprescribable; what is the cost of a mobile oxygen pack and refills; and what help is given to patients on a low income to purchase a mobile oxygen pack and refills.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWe have no plans to change the present arrangement whereby a hospital consultant decides whether a patient would benefit from the free provision under the national health service of a portable oxygen set. Financial assistance given under the social security system does not extend to payment for medical care. The small portable cylinder may be refilled from a larger one which GPs may prescribe under the domiciliary oxygen service. There are three elements in the cost of a portable oxygen set. The set is rented at a cost of £1.70 a month and the cylinder contains about £2 worth of oxygen. The cost of delivery varies according to the quantity delivered. Under the domiciliary oxygen service the rental charge for the set with the larger cylinder is £1.94 a month. The oxygen in it costs £6.15. The cost of delivery by a pharmacist to a patient's home varies according to the distance involved.