HC Deb 17 July 1987 vol 119 cc665-6W
Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the cost of providing free prescriptions for all sufferers from cystic fibrosis; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Currie

All cystic fibrosis sufferers under the age of 16 are automatically exempt from charges and a number of those over 16 will be exempt on financial or other medical grounds. The cost of extending exemption to the remainder would be small but it would be unfair to single out one group from others who seek exemption on medical grounds.

Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to make free prescriptions available for all cystic fibrosis sufferers; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Currie

We have no plans to do so.