§ Mr. Oakesasked the Minister of Health what machinery he proposes to set up to prevent abuse of the arrangements for exemption from prescription charges by people who are not exempt.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonComprehensive records already maintained by Executive Councils and the Ministry of Social Security enable them to determine whether or not patients are entitled to claim exemption, and systematic sample checking of declarations on prescription forms against these records has already begun. Inquiries will be made where there is doubt as to entitlement to exemption. Each form signed by a patient or representative bears a warning that a false statement made with fraudulent intent may lead to prosecution. Such action will not be taken in cases of genuine misunderstanding or error; but I am concerned to ensure that the interests of the many people who are properly entitled to exemption shall not be threatened by those few non-exempt who may seek to avoid payment.