HC Deb 17 July 1987 vol 119 cc663-4W
Mr. Andrew Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the medical and surgical aids which are available (a) free of charge and (b) at a reduced cost to women aged 60 years or over and men aged 65 years or over.

Mr. Newton

A wide range of aids is available free of charge to people of pensionable age. Those available on general practitioner prescription are listed in part IXA of the "Drug Tariff'', a copy of which is available in the Library. There is no comprehensive list of the aids available through the hospital and community health services.

Mr. Andrew Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the cost of extending entitlement to concessions on the cost of medical and surgical aids to all persons aged 60 years or over.

Mr. Newton

The information on which to base a reliable estimate is not available.