Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 1 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 May 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 10 May 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 30th March 2004, 419 c83WS on NHS charges, what the cost of providing (a) sight tests, (b) dental check-ups and (c) prescription charges free on the NHS will be following the changes. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 30 March 2004, Official Report, column 83WS, on NHS charges, what the cost of providing (a) sight tests, (b) dental check-ups and (c) prescription charges free on the NHS will be following the changes. [166430] Ms Rosie Winterton: The estimated additional annual cost to the national health service in England following the changes to the National Health Service (Travel Expenses and Remissions of Charges) Regulations from 6 April 2004 is as follows: provision of free sight tests--around £6,000; provision of free dental treatment--around £70,000 (the additional cost of provision of free dental check-ups has not been identified separately; and loss of prescription charge revenue--around £580,000.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 421 c176W; 166430
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Dental services Costs Fees and charges Eyesight NHS Prescriptions Testing
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk