§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the explanation for the delay in responding to the letter dated 10 March and reminder of 23 April addressed to the Minister for Health by the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury concerning prescription charges for elasticated hose.
§ Dr. VaughanI am sorry for the delay in replying to the letter of 10 March, which was caused by the need for considerable research into the matters raised by the hon. Member concerning charges for elastic hosiery.
As a result of a careful review of the situation, I am pleased to announce that when the prescription charge increases from 70p to £1 per item from 1 December, the present charge of 80p for anklets,
452Wkneecaps and leggings will be brought into line with the £1 standard charge whilst the charge for an elastic stocking will not be increased; it will remain at the present level of £1.60.
I have written to the hon. Member.