HC Deb 19 December 2003 vol 416 cc212-4W
Mr. George Osborne

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to end payments for wigs for chemotherapy patients in England. [145149]

Ms Rosie Winterton

Our policy is to give priority to helping people who may have difficulty in paying charges, rather than extending the exemption arrangements. We have no plans to change the current charging arrangements. However, people receiving certain benefits or tax credits do not have to pay. Those who would otherwise have to pay may seek help through the National Health Service Low Income Scheme.