Prescriptions (Increase in Numbers and Cost) (Hansard, 4 August 1966)

HC Deb 04 August 1966 vol 733 c191W 191W

§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyne
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the increase in prescriptions in Scotland, by numbers and percentage, and of the increase in the net cost of prescriptions to public funds, by value and percentage, since the ending of prescription charges.

§ Mr. Ross
The latest period for which I can give figures as a basis for comparison is the year ended 31st January, 1966.

Period Number of Prescriptions Net Cost £ (i.e. after deducting charges)

(a) 1st February, 1965 to 31st January 1966 26,374,122 14,212,674

(b) 1st February, 1964 to 31st January, 1965 21,879,972 9,199,354

Increase of (a) over (b) 4,494,150 5,013,320

Per cent. increase 20.5 per cent. 54.5 per cent.

Period	Number of Prescriptions	Net Cost £ (i.e. after deducting charges)
(a) 1st February, 1965 to 31st January 1966	26,374,122	14,212,674
(b) 1st February, 1964 to 31st January, 1965	21,879,972	9,199,354
Increase of (a) over (b)	4,494,150	5,013,320
Per cent. increase	20.5 per cent.	54.5 per cent.