§ Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) why steroids are not included in the list of drugs exempt from prescription charges;
(2) what is the basis upon which the list of drugs exempt from prescription charges is compiled;
(3) whether he will publish a list of drugs which are exempt from prescription charges.
§ Sir George YoungExemption from prescription charges is not based upon a list of exempt medicines but upon medical and financial needs; the following groups of people are entitled to exemption from prescription charges
Men aged 65 and over, Women aged 60 and over.Children under 16 years of age.Expectant mothers and mothers with a child under one year of age.People suffering from certain specified medical conditions.War or service Pensioners (for prescriptions needed for treating their accepted disablements).People receiving supplementary benefit or family income supplement.People whose income is not much above supplementary benefit level (whether or not they are working and including those of 16 and over who are still at school).Contraceptive substances and appliances, when prescribed under the NHS, are provided free of charge.