HC Deb 05 May 1998 vol 311 c350W
Mr. Frank Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons Parkinson's Disease is not included in the list of medical conditions exempted from prescription charges. [26198]

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to review the pre-payment certificate scheme for prescription charges in respect of those suffering chronic illness on low incomes; [40180]

(2) if he will make the prescription charge exemption scheme for patients with chronic illnesses available to those who suffer from acute rheumatic arthritis; [40178]

(3) if he will list the criteria for access to the prescription charge exemption scheme for long-term illness; and when he next expects to review the types of illnesses which qualify for exemption. [40179]

Mr. Milburn

The list of medical conditions exempt from prescription charges was agreed in 1968 following extensive discussions with the medical profession. These resulted in a limited list of readily identifiable, permanent, life-long conditions all of which require regular medication.

All aspects of prescription charges are being examined as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review which will report in the summer. The review in the Department of Health is being undertaken in the context of our manifesto commitment: if you are ill or injured there will be a national health service there to help; and access to it will be based on need and need alone—not on your ability to pay, or on who your general practitioner happens to be or on where you live".

Mr. Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make diagnosed Sjogren's Syndrome sufferers eligible for free dental and prescription costs. [40355]

Mr. Milburn

All aspects of prescription and dental charges are being examined as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, which will report in the summer. The Review in the Department is being undertaken in the context of our manifesto commitmentif you are ill or injured there will be a national health service there to help; and access to it will be based on need and need alone—not on your ability to pay, or on who your general practitioner happens to be or on where you live".