STUDENT HEALTH CARE

Early day motion 921, tabled 20 February 2007 by Peter Soulsby (Labour). Signed by 68 members.

That this House welcomes the current review of NHS charges; notes the research published by the National Union of Students in 2004 which showed that 79.2 per cent. of students surveyed did not apply for help with healthcare costs under the low income scheme and one in seven students did not seek medical assistance when needing it; further notes the financial pressures that students face and the decision by the Welsh Assembly Government to make prescriptions free for all those under 25 years old; believes that the cost of accessing healthcare diverts money away from spending on basic needs such as food and study materials; further believes that investing in affordable quality healthcare now will ensure a healthier generation of graduates; and supports the National Union of Students' campaign for accessible healthcare for all students, which calls on the Government to investigate thoroughly whether students should be exempt from charges for prescriptions, dental care and eye tests.

Signatures by party: Labour 40, Liberal Democrat 18, Conservative 4, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, UUP 1.