§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what he estimates the cost was of prescription fraud in Northern Ireland in 2003; and if he will make a statement. [152414]
§ Angela SmithIt is estimated that the cost of prescription fraud in 2002–03 was £8.3 million. Estimates for 2003–04 will be available by the end of May 2004.
Tackling fraud remains a key priority for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, which has introduced a range of measures to combat exemption fraud. These include setting up a dedicated Counter Fraud Unit, the introduction of fixed penalty charges for patients who misclaim and the creation of the specific criminal offence of evading health services charges.