§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list and describe the checks which are made to control fraudulent claiming of exemption status on paying for prescriptions.
§ Mr. HayhoeA proportion of prescription forms bearing declarations that the patient is exempt from charges is sent to every family practitioner committee in respect of prescriptions dispensed in April and October of each year. Family practitioner committees are responsible for checking the validity of these declarations and for recovering any charges that may be due.
§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the level of fraud in monetary terms arising from fraudulent claiming of exemption from paying for prescriptions.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe latest available estimated loss of revenue through incorrect claims for exemption from prescription charges was £4.1 million for the financial year 1984–85.