§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the percentage by each sub-division shown in his answer of 22 October 1991,Official Report, column 597, of people in the United Kingdom exempt from paying for (a) eye tests, (b) dental examinations and (c) prescription charges.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe information requested is as follows: 329W
(A) Sight Tests The percentage of the population in England estimated to be eligible for free NHS sight tests in 1990–91 is as follows: Categories Percentage Children under 16 20 Income support and family credit recipients and adult dependants 11 Others (breakdown not available) 17 Total 38 1Approximate.
(B) Dental Charges Percentage exempt from dental charges in England and Wales 1989–90 Categories Percentage Children under 16 27 Young people over 16 and under 18 3 Young people aged 18 and over in full-time education 11 Income support, family credit and people on low income 8 War disablement pensioner n.a. Pregnant women and women with babies under 12 months 3 Total 42 1Less than. Source: DPB Digest of Statistics.
(C) Prescription Charges The proportion of people in England estimated to be eligible for free prescriptions is as follows: Categories Percentage Children under 16 20 Students under 19 in full time education 1 Men over 65/women over 60 18 Income support and family credit recipients and people receiving help under the NHS low income scheme and their dependants 8 Pregnant/nursing mothers 2 Medical exemptions 2 People receiving war disablement pensions 11 Total 51 1Less than.