Coeliacs pushed into economic hardship due to cost of gluten-free bread, says MP
Gluten-free bread can cost six times the amount of typical bread which contains gluten, Tom Rutland told the Commons.
People with coeliac disease are being pushed into economic hardship, a Labour MP said, as he called for restrictions on prescriptions for gluten-free bread to be reversed.
Gluten-free bread can cost six times the amount of typical bread which contains gluten, Tom Rutland told the Commons.
During business questions, the MP for East Worthing and Shoreham said: “Like 1% of the population I suffer from coeliac disease and also an immune disease that sees the gut attack itself if you eat gluten.
“There’s no treatment other than a gluten-free diet, the cheapest loaf of gluten-free bread can cost six times the amount of one that contains gluten.
“This must be reversed. Will the Leader of the House grant a debate in Government time on the availability of gluten-free prescriptions across England?”
Commons Leader Lucy Powell replied: “He’s made a very strong case today, I didn’t realise gluten-free products were as expensive as he says they are.
“And he’s right to point out they necessary for those coeliac sufferers, like him, and I’m sure this would make a very good topic for a debate.”
