§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to produce a national service framework for lung and respiratory diseases. [130729]
§ Mr. DenhamWe are taking forward the National Service Framework (NSF) programme with the development of one new NSF per year. We will consider the proposed service area or care group for the next NSF against the criteria set out in "A First Class Service", as well as the priorities and targets identified in the National Plan.
§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will exempt patients suffering from respiratory diseases from charges for on-going prescriptions for inhalers, steroids and water tablets. [130730]
§ Ms StuartWe reviewed the prescription charging arrangements as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review and concluded that the present arrangements should remain for the rest of this Parliament.