To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects Professor Ian Gilmore's review into prescription charges to be (a) completed and (b) published; (279746)

The Government have asked Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians, to undertake a review of prescription charges. The review has sought the views of the public, clinicians and patient representative bodies on how to implement the proposed exemption for people with long-term conditions, including how it could be phased in. To date, this has included a web based survey, written submissions of evidence, deliberative research with the public and with general practitioners (GPs) and oral evidence sessions held with key stakeholder groups.

The review was due to report to Departmental Ministers in the summer. However, following discussions between Ministers and Professor Gilmore, he will undertake further work in order to ensure that proposals can be implemented smoothly and efficiently. Professor Gilmore is now due to report to departmental Ministers in the autumn. The report will also be published in the autumn.

The Department has a small team of officials supporting Professor Gilmore on his review. This includes three policy officials and two analysts. None of these staff are working solely on the review. In addition, the Department incurred expenditure of over £150,000 on the review in the last financial year, which includes the costs of deliberative research, stakeholder workshops and meetings. Further expenditure of this nature is likely as Professor Gilmore completes the review.