§ Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether any assistance is available to sufferers of cystic fibrosis in order to defray their costs caused by this condition; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonPeople with cystic fibrosis may qualify for attendance allowance if they satisfy the relevant conditions relating to the degree of attendance needed. There are no special provisions within the supplementary benefits scheme, but if as a result of the condition a claimant—or a member of his family—requires extra warmth or incurs expenditure above the normal on a special diet or laundry an additional weekly payment of benefit can be awarded. NHS prescriptions are free of charge to cystic fibrosis sufferers under age 16; thereafter the normal low-income charge exemption arrangements apply.