HC Deb 13 February 1961 vol 634 c926
34. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Health what reduction in the number of prescriptions he expects as a result of the increased charge of 1s. per item.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Enoch Powell)

My estimate will be based on a 2 per cent. reduction.

Mr. Thomas

Will the Minister be kind enough to tell me the number of prescriptions involved? It is obviously a very serious matter if people are not able to afford to pay for the prescriptions which their doctor thinks they ought to have. Could he tell me the number of prescriptions involved?

Mr. Powell

Not without notice. The principal factor in the reduction is the elimination of the prescriptions under 2s.