HC Deb 02 June 1992 vol 208 cc451-2W
Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to exempt cystic fibrosis sufferers from prescription charges.

Dr. Mawhinney

There are no plans to extend the range of conditions which currently attract free prescriptions on medical grounds. Extensive exemption and charge remission arrangements, coupled with the prescription prepayment certificate scheme, protect those who might otherwise have difficulty in paying prescription charges.

Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health authorities are currently charging cystic fibrosis sufferers for nebulisers; and what is her Department's policy on making vital medical equipment available to the chronically ill.

Mr. Sackville

Health authorites cannot make charges for nebulisers, or other items of medical equipment supplied as part of NHS treatment, unless there is specific statutory provision for charges to be made.

Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cystic fibrosis sufferers there are in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) each family health services authority area and (c) each district health authority area.

Mr. Sackville

The information requested is not collected centrally.

Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated annual cost of prescriptions is(a) to each cystic fibrosis sufferer and (b) to all cystic fibrosis sufferers across the United Kingdom.

Dr. Mawhinney

This information is not available.