Written question asked by Lord Mann (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 March 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 March 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to extend free (a) prescriptions and (b) dental care to students undertaking an apprenticeship.

Answer: John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend free (a) prescriptions and (b) dental care to students undertaking an apprenticeship. [159461] Ms Rosie Winterton: Free national health service prescriptions are available to everyone under 16. Free NHS dental treatment is available to everyone under 18. Free NHS prescriptions and free NHS dental treatment are available to everyone up to their nineteenth birthday if they are in full-time education. People who have children, or who are disabled and have low earnings may receive tax credits and a tax credit exemption certificate entitling them to free NHS prescriptions and free NHS dental treatment automatically. Otherwise, anyone can apply for help with their health costs through the NHS low income scheme. The extent of any help is based on a comparison between the claimant's weekly income and requirements at the date the claim is received. We have no plans to change the current arrangements. Patients who need frequent prescriptions may benefit from purchasing a prescription prepayment certificate.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 159461; 418 c1599-600W;418 c1601-2W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Dental services Apprentices Fees and charges Exemptions Prescriptions Training Students
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk