Rheumatoid Arthritis (Prescription Charges)

Oral Answers to Questions — Health – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 23 June 2009.

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Photo of Linda Riordan Linda Riordan Labour, Halifax 2:30, 23 June 2009

What recent representations he has received on exempting people with rheumatoid arthritis from prescription charges.

Photo of Mike O'Brien Mike O'Brien Minister of State (Health Services), Department of Health

The Department of Health has received three letters from Members and has seen two submissions from patient groups.

Photo of Linda Riordan Linda Riordan Labour, Halifax

I welcome the promise made by our Prime Minister at the Labour party conference in 2008 to abolish prescription charges for those suffering from long-term conditions. Will the Minister now outline a clear timetable for the abolition of these charges for those with chronic diseases, to help alleviate their problems?

Photo of Mike O'Brien Mike O'Brien Minister of State (Health Services), Department of Health

I certainly agree that we need to reform the current arrangements for exemption from prescription charging in England to ensure that we have a fairer system. Professor Ian Gilmore is due to report in the autumn on how that may be done—it is quite a complex exercise—and we will then set a timetable for how we will be in a position to implement it.

Photo of Henry Bellingham Henry Bellingham Shadow Minister (Justice)

Can the Minister tell the House how much his Department is spending on research? I have a number of constituents who suffer from this appalling ailment, and they tell me that, as well as exemption from prescription charges, their big priority is more research into this debilitating disease. Can the Minister tell the House the exact figures?

Photo of Mike O'Brien Mike O'Brien Minister of State (Health Services), Department of Health

It will not surprise the hon. Gentleman to learn that, off the top of my head, I cannot tell him the exact figures for research, but I can tell him that a considerable amount of research is going on in this important area. We want to ensure that we get the drugs that will enable people to be assisted.