To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in each of the last five years did not receive all or part of their prescriptions because they were not able to afford them. (263635)

The Department does not hold information on prescriptions issued, only on prescription items that are dispensed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Prescription Charges Review led by Professor Ian Gilmore will be completed in the summer of 2009; and if he will make a statement. (263636)

Ministers have asked Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians, to lead a review of prescription charges. The review will consider how to implement the commitment to exempt patients with long-term conditions from prescription charges. The review is currently gathering evidence from a wide range of stakeholders, using a range of different techniques. Subject to what emerges from this phase, the review should be on course to report as planned in the summer.