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<p>We are unable to make such an estimate.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Data on the
cost to the National Health Service of treating asthma patients in accident and emergency
or unplanned hospital admissions is not collected by the Department. The Health and
Social Care Information Centre (HSCI) has published information on reasons, for example
respiratory problems, for accident and emergency attendance in its <em>Hospital Episode
Statistics: Accident and Emergency Attendances in England 2012-13</em>, but this does
not identify specific conditions, such as asthma, that may have prompted an accident
and emergency visit or unplanned hospital admission.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Since
1 November 2013, the Department has received 44 representations through the Department’s
Ministerial correspondence unit and two parliamentary questions, including the hon.
Member’s own, regarding extending exemption from prescription charging to people with
asthma.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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