§ 19. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health if he will give an estimate of the proportion of prescriptions, under 1s. in value, supplied under the National Health Service during 1951, or the latest period for which an estimate can be made.
§ Mr. CrookshankIt is estimated that the proportion costing the Service less than 1s. is insignificant.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose, in these cases—even if they are insignificant there are a certain number of them—to charge them more than the actual value of the prescription?
§ Mr. CrookshankThe 1s. charge proposed is per form and not per prescription.
§ 30. Brigadier Terence Clarkeasked the Minister of Health what would be the estimated cost of exempting old-age pensioners from paying for prescriptions under the National Health Act.
§ Mr. CrookshankThe annual cost to the National Health Service in England and Wales might be about £1½ million.
§ Brigadier ClarkeHas my right hon. Friend taken into account, in making his calculations, that many old age pensioners will be driven on to National Assistance, as they are now debarred by their pride from accepting National Assistance?
§ Mr. Leslie HaleWould the Leader of the House be good enough, in order to make clear that this is not a purely party question, to convey to the hon. and gallant Member for Portsmouth (Brigadier Clarke) the fact that if he cares to put down an Amendment to this effect some of us on this side of the House will be able to give him support?
§ Brigadier ClarkeI have no intention of putting one down to help hon. Gentlemen opposite.