§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the review into the health benefits—low—incomescheme was begun; when it was ended; and when its conclusions will be made public.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many AGI forms are administered each year; and how much per form is spent on administration.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe review was announced to Parliament on 22 May 1991,Official Report, column 530. Since then, a number of internal measures to improve operational efficiency have been implemented, including the transfer of the responsibility for operating the scheme to the Prescription Pricing Authority, a special health authority within the national health service. Other proposals remain under consideration including those resulting from an examination of forms and leaflets. Any changes to the scheme itself will be announced if and when it is agreed that they should be implemented. The NHS low-income scheme remains an essential part of Government policy ensuring that only those who can afford to pay NHS charges are required to do so. In 1992–93, 1.129 million claims to the scheme were processed at an average administrative cost of £6.30 per claim.
§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures are in place to allow immediate payment for emergency dental treatment for those on low incomes.
§ Dr. MawhinneyRecipients of income support, family credit, or holders of national health service low-income scheme AG2 certificates for full remission of NHS charges do not pay for NHS dental treatment. Remission certificates are valid for a period of six months and may be sought as a protection by those on a low income before the need for treatment arises. These arrangements ensure that those who cannot afford to contribute towards the cost of dental services should not be deterred from seeking treatment at any time.