Prescription Charges

HC Deb 19 June 1952 vol 502 cc106-7W

17. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Health how many machines have been purchased by hospital committees for the purpose of collecting the shilling for prescriptions in out-patients Departments; and what is the total cost of the machines.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I am informed that up to the present 22 machines have been purchased at a total cost of about £950; 237 machines have been hired, the normal charge being £5 5s. each per annum.

Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of National Insurance what arrangements have been made to allow those who are in receipt of supplementation from the National Assistance Board, to recover any shillings paid by them for drugs and medicines.

Mr. Turton

National Assistance recipients can obtain a refund of the shilling prescription charge at the same time and place as they receive their weekly assistance payments, on production of a receipt obtainable from the chemist.

Mr. Simmons

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will give details of arrangements made by his Department for securing the reimbursement of prescription charges levied on war pensioners under the National Health Act, 1952.

Mr. Amory

The following are the arrangements made by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Health, to enable war pensioners to secure reimbursement of such charges incurred in respect of their accepted war disablement.

The pensioners are required to obtain a receipt from the chemist or dispensing doctor for the 1s. charge for medicines. A form for this purpose (E.C. 57) has been supplied to chemists and dispensing doctors. The form explains that a refund can be obtained if the pensioner signs the declaration in Part B and either produces the form at the local Post Office when he draws his next pension payment or, if he does not draw pension at a Post Office, sends the form to the local office of my Department.

Those pensioners who pay charges for elastic hosiery required for accepted war disablement will also be given a receipt (form E.C. 56A) and can claim a refund from the local office of my Department.