§ Mr. Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what he estimates would be the cost to the National Health Service of adding the condition of cystic fibrosis to the list of conditions qualifying for exemption from prescription charges.
§ Mr. MoyleMost sufferers from cystic fibrosis are children, and thus exempt from prescription charges. The cost of exempting adults would be minimal. But the arrangements for exempting patients with certain chronic medical conditions requiring continuous treatment rely on the co-operation of the medical profession, whose representatives, when last consulted in 1976, did not feel able to extend the present list of conditions. I intend shortly to ask the profession to reconsider their decision. Meantime, I hope any adults with cystic fibrosis who are not eligible for exemption on other grounds such as low income will consider buying the"season ticket"which saves money for those who need frequent prescriptions.