asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the specified medical conditions under which people may claim exemption from prescription charges.

The specified medical conditions which confer exemption from prescription charges are listed below:

(a) Permanent fistula (including caecostomy, colostomy or ileostomy) requiring continuous surgical dressing or an appliance.

(b) The following disorders for which specific substitution therapy is essential:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Myxoedema
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Hypopituitarism
• Addison's disease and other forms of hypoadrenalism
• Myasthenia gravis

(c) Epilepsy requiring continuous anti-convulsive therapy.

(d) A continuing physical disability which prevents the patient leaving his residence except with the help of another person (this does not mean a temporary disability even if it is likely to last a few months).