Written question asked by Mark Simmonds (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 November 2009. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Monday, 30 November 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients who applied for free prescriptions in the last 12 months specified cancer on their claim for an exemption certificate; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Cancer patients were able to apply for medical exemption certificates (which entitle them to exemption from prescription charges) from the end of January 2009, although these certificates were not valid until 1 April 2009. From this date until 23 November 2009, the number of valid prescription charge certificate applications processed by NHS Business Services Authority in England, for cancer patients resident in England, where cancer was the only medical condition ticked on the FP92A application form, was almost 70,000.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 501 c547W; 302322
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Prescriptions: Fees and Charges
Monday, 14 December 2009
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Fees and charges Prescriptions
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk