HC Deb 15 December 1969 vol 793 cc209-10W
50. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why post offices in the Greater Manchester area did not have available on 3rd November, 1969, the day that new scales came into operation for low-paid workers claiming relief from prescription charges, supplies of the up-to-date version of the necessary form PC11.

Mr. Ennals

Supplies of the revised version of form PC11, showing the higher scale rates used in the calculation of requirements of persons claiming refund of, or exemption from, prescription charges on hardship groups were distributed nationally in good time for copies of the form to be available in local post offices on that date.

51. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, why no publicity was given by his Department to the fact that on 3rd November, 1969, the income levels under which a low-paid worker could qualify for exemption from charges for prescriptions, teeth, spectacles and welfare foods were all raised.

Mr. Ennals

Entitlement to help with, or exemption from, these charges on grounds of hardship is based on the scale rates of supplementary benefit. The increases from 3rd November, 1969, in these rates were publicised in the Press and on the radio. Arrangements were also made for the appropriate leaflets and claim forms, showing the increased scale rates, to be available from 3rd November, 1969.