§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the responsibility for the NHS low income scheme.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleySince 10 April 1991, responsibility for the national health service low income scheme has been consolidated within the Department of Health. Claims for charge remission will continue to be dealt with by the health benefits unit—previously the agency benefits unit—at Newcastle but with the unit working directly to the Department of Health on the basis of a service agreement.
During 1991, the Department of Health will undertake a review of the administration of the low income scheme. The review will aim to produce proposals by the end of 1991 for simplifying the claim form AG1 and other administrative procedures.