§ 44. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Health in what numbers he has received letters of support and opposition, respectively, to the Government's increased 1s. per item prescription charge.
§ Mr. VosperApproximately 600 letters have been received criticising the revised charge. Some letters have been received expressing approval of it.
§ Mr. LewisWhy does the Minister say that there were 600 against and he cannot quote the number in favour? Surely it must be very small, and he should be able to give it. Secondly, if he can give us the number, will he say whether there were any letters in support of this increase from any recognised organisation representing the medical profession? Was there anyone who knows anything about the health of the people who supported this charge?
§ Mr. VosperI regret that I am unable to oblige the hon. Gentleman. Having examined this matter very closely, I am surprised at the very small number of letters which have been received regarding a measure which could not have been popular.
§ Dr. SummerskillHow many executive councils have written to the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. VosperA very large number. I have examined all the letters very closely, and they all—with three or four exceptions—expressed the view that the scheme is working remarkably well.
§ 49. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health the average cost of each prescription dispensed under the National Health Service at the latest available date; and how this compares with the cost six and twelve months previously.
§ Mr. VosperThe average cost per prescription dispensed in November, 1956, was 5s. 1d. The average cost in May, 1956, and November, 1955, was 4s. 11.35d. and 4s. 5.81d. respectively.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes not the Minister feel that there is a very real danger that with the increased prescription charge there may well be an increase in the actual cost per prescription because of the increased quantities being prescribed?
§ Mr. VosperI accept that some initial increase may fall thereafter, but I have not yet got the figures for December.
§ 51. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the consistent rise in the cost of living which seriously affects the sick and those on limited incomes, he will now absolve from payment of the increased 1s. prescription charge all persons in receipt of either retirement pension, sick, unemployment or other national insurance benefit, and all of those in receipt of National Assistance.
§ Mr. VosperNo, Sir. I see no need to vary the circumstances under which a refund may be made.
§ Mr. LewisOne cannot get an affirmative answer from this Ministry on Questions such as this. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to be more humane? The cost of living is going up, and the cost of food and everything else is going up. The only achievement to the credit of this Government is that they have kept pushing up the cost of living. Should not the sick and disabled be the first to receive assistance from the Government in the manner suggested by my Question?
§ Mr. VosperThose on National Assistance can automatically get a refund at present and some of those in other categories can do so on application, but the suggestion made by the hon. Member would not follow the doctrine of fair shares because those on pension would get a refund, irrespective of their other means.
§ 54. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health if he has considered further the desirability of providing that where doctors have to prescribe more than one drug or appliance for one specific chronic complaint or illness that this shall count as one prescription in respect of a 1s. charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. VosperYes, but I am afraid such an arrangement is not practicable.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that representations have already been made by reputable nonpartisan bodies, including administrative and professional bodies? Does he not appreciate that this is particularly hard on unfortunate patients who, by the very nature of their complaint, may have to have three or four prescriptions and therefore pay three or four times as much as some other patients?
§ Mr. VosperI have said on an earlier occasion that I am concerned about the effect on the chronic sick, but I am not yet satisfied that the arrangements announced by my predecessor are not effective. I am afraid that the suggestion made by the hon. Member would not work.
§ Mr. ShurmerIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in cases in which doctors feel it necessary for patients to have two or three prescriptions, reports are coming in that in many instances people are taking to the chemist prescriptions for three or four items and telling the chemist which items they want because they cannot afford 3s. or 4s. to pay for all the items. Surely something could be done in such cases in which it could be proved that the patients needed three or four items?
§ Mr. VosperI know there have been one or two examples—
§ Mr. ShurmerSeveral.
§ Mr. Vosper—which I am examining, but at the moment I am not convinced that I have to take further action.
§ Mr. SorensenIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.