News Release

24th October 2001

MICHAEL FABRICANT RAISES CASE OF COUNCILLOR TONY LANCHESTER WITH TONY BLAIR

At Prime Minister's Question Time today in the House of Commons, Michael Fabricant raised the case of his constituent, Councillor Tony Lanchester, with Tony Blair. Tony Lanchester, a former Labour Leader of Lichfield District Council, suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Michael Fabricant told the Prime Minister that three-quarters of a million people suffer from this crippling and painful disease, but he drew the attention of Tony Blair to the particular problems faced by Councillor Lanchester; problems which are repeated up and down the country.

Tony Lanchester is being treated at Cannock Hospital. The South Staffordshire Health Authority will not pay for drugs that he urgently needs. Meanwhile, other patients from Sutton Coldfield and other health authorities being treated in the same hospital for the same condition are receiving the drugs. Michael Fabricant asked when such "postcode prescribing" will end.

The Prime Minister replied that the Government is taking steps to alleviate this problem. [The full text of Mr Fabricant's question and the Prime Minister's reply will be available tomorrow when Hansard is available].

Michael Fabricant says "This problem arose when GP Fundholding was abolished by this Labour Government. Although Tony Blair undoubtedly cares about this problem and recognises how widespread it has become, it is no good his blaming the previous Government. He has been in office now for four and half years and the problem which Labour caused refuses to go away. My question highlights the anguish faced by sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis in this country. I hope that the South Staffordshire Health Authority will now provide the drugs that Tony Lanchester so desperately needs".