Written question asked by Tony Wright (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 June 2009. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 June 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has established a timescale for phasing in exemptions from prescription charges for those with long-term conditions.

Answer: The Government have asked Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians, to undertake a review of prescription charges. The review is seeking the views of the public, clinicians and patient representative bodies on how to implement the proposed exemption for people with long-term conditions, including how it could be phased in. Decisions about the timescale for phasing in changes will not be made until after the review reports.The review was due to report to departmental Ministers in the summer. However, following discussions between Ministers and Professor Gilmore, he will undertake further work in order to ensure that proposals can be implemented smoothly and efficiently. Professor Gilmore is now due to report to departmental Ministers in the autumn.

Secondary information