Prescription charge exemption and cystic fibrosis
Westminster Hall debate
Paul Maynard MP
On Wednesday 2 February, Paul Maynard MP led a Westminster Hall debate on prescription charge exemption and cystic fibrosis.
To inform his debate, he asked to hear about your experiences.
Several contributors were quoted directly:
If you contributed to this exercise, please give us feedback:
Watch the debate:
Read the transcript of the debate on Hansard.
The Government's response
Health minister Edward Argar MP responded to the debate on behalf of the Government.
Watch or read his full speech for details on topics including:
- Recognition of the work led by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Prescription Charges Coalition
- Relevant developments since the creation of the 1968 medical exemption list
- The Gilmore Review of prescription charges, which reported in 2009
- Differences in prescription charge policy between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
House of Commons Library briefing: NHS Charges
- The revenue generated for the NHS by the prescription charge
Paul Maynard MP thanked those that completed the survey:
"My sincere thanks to everyone who responded to this survey and shared their experiences with me.
"Many of you have shared some very moving stories about how prescription charges have affected you and those you care for.
"They will be very helpful for me to reflect on as I prepare for my debate.
"Do check back on this page on Wednesday 2 February when you'll be able to watch the debate or read the transcript. Thanks again."
Introducing the debate, he gave the following statement:
"As someone who has a long-term medical condition – epilepsy – it has always surprised me that adults with cystic fibrosis have to pay for their prescriptions whilst I do not.
"I hope this debate can explore the impact this has on the lives of people with cystic fibrosis, and the difference it would make if cystic fibrosis were added to the list of exemption conditions.
"1968 was the last time a full list was drawn up*. Medicine and society have moved on, so should the exemption list, and reflect modern day experience.
"I hope everyone affected by this feels able to contribute their story."
Your feedback
"I came across the survey as I had previously signed an e-petition regarding prescription charges for people with cystic fibrosis. I decided to fill it in as I felt it was important to represent the views of people with CF as there aren't really that many of us.
"I was surprised to be quoted in the debate and pleased to be able to contribute. I told my husband who thought it was good. I see the work of Parliament as having relevance to my own life, and even more so now.
"I will always be proud that I have been quoted in Parliament and it is something I'll never forget! I would definitely take part again."
How it works
What is a Westminster Hall Debate?
Westminster Hall debates take place in the Grand Committee Room in the House of Commons.
They give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister.
Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'.
How Parliament works: Westminster Hall debates.
How your contributions are shared
In these exercises, members of the public who have signed relevant petitions are invited to share their experiences and ideas.
These are passed on to the MP leading the debate, who may refer to them directly in their speeches.
Find other petitions on the Petitions website, or see more examples of public contributions being used in debates below.
What happens next?
If you shared your email in the survey, we’ll send you an update after the debate with links to watch it, read the transcript, and information about the Government's response.
House of Commons Library
The Library is research and information service based in the UK Parliament. Its impartial analysis, statistical research and resources help MPs and their staff scrutinise legislation, develop policy, and support constituents.
Some recent publications are listed below. See the latest research and analysis on health services at commonslibrary.parliament.uk.
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