Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 25 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 February 2005. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Thursday, 3 February 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of how many people in England suffer from (a) arthritis, (b) multiple sclerosis, (c) asthma and (d) mental illness; and how many of each are exempt from prescription charging; how many people in England are undergoing chemotherapy treatment; and how many of these are exempt from prescription charging. - (Holding answer 31 January 2005).

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of how many people in England suffer from (a) arthritis, (b) multiple sclerosis, (c) asthma and (d) mental illness; and how many of each are exempt from prescription charging; [211532] (2) how many people in England are undergoing chemotherapy treatment; and how many of these are exempt from prescription charging. [211533] Ms Rosie Winterton :[holding answers 31 January 2005]: The Department does not centrally hold the information requested on the number of people suffering from arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma or mental illness. The Department does not centrally hold information on the number of people undergoing chemotherapy treatment. None of the mentioned medical conditions or chemotherapy treatment are included in the list of medical conditions giving exemption from prescription charges.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 430 c1121-2W; 211532;211533
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Cancer Fees and charges Exemptions Mental illness Multiple sclerosis Prescriptions Arthritis Asthma
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk