Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what categories of people are exempt from prescription charges; and what percentage of the population this represents.

Exemption from National Health Service prescription charges is available to those who:

- are in receipt of certain benefits;

- are pregnant or recently had a baby and hold a valid exemption certificate;

- are aged 60 years old and over;

- are aged under 16 years old, or 16,17 or 18 years old and in qualifying full-time education;

- get a War Pension and the prescription is for the accepted disablement; and

- have one of the listed medical conditions and hold a valid exemption certificate.

In addition, the NHS Low Income Scheme help with health costs on an income-related basis. Those who qualify for full help under this scheme will receive free prescriptions.

Approximately 60% of the population are exempt from prescription charges. Data on the breakdown by exemption type by population is not centrally held.