asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to review the free availability of prescriptions or dental treatment to students or other people under the age of 19 years who are on low incomes.

We have no plans at present to change the arrangements under which young people get free prescriptions or dental treatment because of their age or educational status. We are considering the recommendations of an efficiency scrutiny which examined the arrangements for determining entitlement on the grounds of low income to exemption from or help with charges for prescriptions and dental treatment.