HC Deb 19 November 1985 vol 87 cc160-1W
Mr. Walters

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated cost of free prescribing for patients suffering from specified medical conditions which call for continuous life-long medication.

Mr. Hayhoe

I regret that the information is not available in the form requested.

Mr. Walters

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to include Dariers disease, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis on the list of life-long illnesses which are eligible for free medication.

Mr. Hayhoe

I have no plans at present to do so.

Mr. Walters

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has made any estimate of the cost of extending exemption from prescription charges to sufferers of Dariers disease; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hayhoe

No, but, since I understand the number of people suffering from this rare, hereditary disease is small, the cost would not be great. However, there are many other groups of people who believe that they should be exempt from prescription charges and any extension of the present arrangements to all these groups would be costly.