§ Mr. McFallTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those categories of armed forces personnel whose national health service prescription charges are reimbursed from his Department's funds; and what was the total cost of this provision in the latest year for which data are available.
§ Mr. HanleyAll armed forces personnel are entitled to free medical and dental treatment. As a part of this condition of service national health service prescription charges paid by service personnel based in the United Kingdom may be reimbursed from funds within my Department. Figures relating to the cost of this provision900W are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The entitlement to free medical and dental treatment is one of the many factors taken into account by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body when comparing pay levels in the armed forces with those in civilian employment.