PRESCRIPTION CHARGES IN SCOTLAND

That this House welcomes the reduction of prescription charges in Scotland to £3 on the way to their total abolition from 2011; recognises that the Scottish Government's action brings Scotland nearer to removing a tax on ill health that people needing medicines should not have to face; notes that the eventual abolition of prescription charges is in line with the founding principle of the NHS that it should be free at the point of delivery; further recognises that the greatest benefit of the policy is to people with long-term conditions who should not face ongoing financial penalties just because they are living with illness; congratulates the Welsh Assembly Government on having abolished prescription charges; and further notes that by leaving more money in people's pockets, the removal of prescription charges will play a part in Scotland's economic recovery.