HC Deb 31 January 1975 vol 885 cc359-60W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will consider making provision to allow patients who have unwittingly paid charges for prescriptions which would normally be given free to receive a refund on these charges; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Owen

No. It would be impracticable to verify claims for refunds which are not supported by a receipt obtained at the time the charge was paid. There is continuing publicity in pharmacies to draw the attention of eligible patients to their right to claim exemption.

I will write to my hon. Friend about the personal case he has drawn to my attention.