§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his policy towards the future provision of(a) free dental treatment, (b) free prescriptions, (c) free eye checks and (d) assistance with the community charge, for students in full-time education in receipt of loans under Her Majesty's Government's recent proposals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas ScottI refer the hon. Member to paragraph 3.27 of the White Paper "Top-up Loans for Students" (Cm. 520). People receiving full-time education under 19 will continue to be exempt from dental and prescription charges and entitled to free NHS sight tests. Others on a low income will be able to get free prescriptions and full or partial help with the cost of dental treatment and sight tests depending on their circumstances. Students who are shown in the community charge register as undertaking a full-time course of education will continue to be liable to pay only one fifth of the personal community charge for which they would otherwise be liable.