§ Mr. ViggersTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether leukaemia sufferers are exempted from prescription charges.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyLeukaemia sufferers are not automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions. Those in financial need will qualify for help. There are extensive general exemption arrangements designed to protect those who are likely to have difficulty in paying. Prescription pre-payment certificates are also available for anyone who does not qualify for exemption but who needs a lot of678W medication, and these can lead to considerable savings. As a result of the present exemption arrangements and pre-payment certificate scheme, a prescription charge is paid on less than one item in five dispensed.