§ Mr. Peter GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (I) what assessment she has made of whether folic acid is generally available as a medical product on prescription in both 4 mg and 0.5 mg strengths;
(2) what proposals she has to implement recommendation 8.3 of the expert advisory group on folic acid and neural tube defects that prescriptions of folic acid, when given for the prevention of NTD, should be free.
§ Mr. SackvilleFolic acid is not generally available as a licensed product on prescription in either 4 mg or 0.5 mg strengths. Prescriptions of folic acid 5 mg and of folic acid 0.4 mg with iron, are available free of charge to those who are entitled to prescription charge exemption, including pregnant women and those who qualify for charge remission under the national health service low-income scheme. There are no plans to extend these arrangements.