§ 15. Mr. Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total financial cost to medical patients for service under the National Health Service, for the year 1953–54; and what he estimates the charges will be for 1954–55.
Commander GalbraithThe total payments by patients in 1953–54 in respect of drugs and appliances prescribed by general practitioners were £740,000. My right hon. Friend does not expect that the 1954–55 figure will be materially different. If the hon. Member has some other item in mind, perhaps he will let me know.
§ Mr. CarmichaelCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman state the amount paid by old-age pensioners out of this sum?