Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 30 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 November 2003. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Thursday, 6 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the long-term savings to the NHS that might be achieved by the provision of free prescriptions for people with long-term mental health problems. - Inc figure.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the long-term savings to the NHS that might be achieved by the provision of free prescriptions for people with long-term mental health problems. [135963] Ms Rosie Winterton: The Department has not made an assessment of the long-term savings to the national health service of providing free prescriptions for people with mental health problems. Our policy is to help those who may have difficulty in paying prescription charges, rather than extending the exemption arrangements. By using a prescription prepayment certificate, no one need pay more than £32.90 for four months or £90.40 for 12 months, for all the NHS medication that they are prescribed.

Secondary information