HC Deb 03 April 1980 vol 982 cc393-4W
Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost to the Exchequer of exempting (a) severe arthritic and (b) rheumatic disease, from prescription charges.

Sir George Young

It is not possible to provide a reliable estimate. There is no accurate information on the number of people who suffer from these conditions and in any case their prescription needs will vary considerably.