§ Mr. WoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost of providing free prescriptions to all patients in England. [124625]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonWe estimate that the loss of prescription charge income in England would be around £446 million in 2003–04. Additionally, there could be significant additional costs to the drugs bill if people who currently pay charges sought prescriptions for medicines and other items which they currently purchase.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce free prescriptions for those aged 21 or under who are not in full time employment. [124882]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonPeople aged 21 or under who are not in full time employment are entitled to free national health service prescriptions if they hold a maternity or medical exemption certificate; receive income support or income based jobseekers' allowance, are named on a Tax Credit NHS exemption certificate; or hold a NHS low income scheme exemption certificate for full help.
Patients who pay charges and need frequent prescriptions may benefit from purchasing a prescription prepayment certificate.