§ 17. Mr. Carmichaelasked the Minister of Health the total financial cost to medical patients in respect of drugs and appliances prescribed by general practitioners for the year 1953–54; what was the amount paid by old-age pensioners; and what he estimates the charges will be for 1954–55.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe approximate amount of charges paid by patients in England and Wales was £6.7 million. My right hon. Friend has no separate information about the amount paid by old-age pensioners. The amount estimated to be received from such charges in 1954–55 is approximately £6.8 million.