§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will waive prescription charges for those with cystic fibrosis; and if he will make a statement. [110675]
§ Mr. LammyOur policy is to give priority to helping people who may have difficulty in paying charges, rather than extending the exemption arrangements to people with other medical conditions including cystic fibrosis. We have no plans to change the current charging arrangements.
§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to screen new born babies for cystic fibrosis; and if he will make a statement. [110676]
§ Jacqui SmithIn April 2001, the Government announced their intention to implement a new national programme for neonatal cystic fibrosis screening. Work commissioned by the Department of Health to plan for the national provision of cystic fibrosis screening using the Guthrie Bloodspot card will be considered by the UK National Screening Committee who will look at costs, feasibility, timetables and links to antenatal programmes.