§ 4. Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now take steps to ensure that all those in receipt of invalidity benefit qualify for free prescriptions.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo. Over 20 per cent. of invalidity benefit recipients are already automatically exempt; and all the remainder can seek exemption, for example, on low income grounds. Those who do not qualify can purchase prepayment certificates if they need frequent or regular prescriptions.
With over 72 per cent. of prescribed items going to those who are exempt and about 6 per cent. to holders of prepayment certificates, there is no need to add to the exempt categories.