§ 42. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now add treatment by chemotherapy for post-surgical cases of cancer to the list of eight conditions which are at present exempted from prescription charges.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have considerable sympathy for people in this group, just as I do for all those suffering from conditions which are not included in the list of medical conditions which confer exemption from prescription charges. However, similar arguments are frequently advanced for the inclusion of a large number of serious conditions. In fairness we cannot take any one in isolation and to include them all would cost the National Health Service a great deal of money. I cannot therefore agree to extend the list.
Exemption from charges is not restricted to sufferers from listed medical conditions. Such groups as the elderly and those on low incomes are also exempt. Overall some 70 per cent. of prescription items are dispensed without charge.
429WSufferers who are not exempt from charges but require frequent prescriptions should of course be advised to pay on the so-called season ticket basis the sum of £7.50 for four months' unlimited supply.