HC Deb 08 February 1966 vol 724 cc55-6W
Dr. David Kerr

asked the Minister of Health if he will give details of the total sources of income of the National Health Service during 1965; and what was the effect of the abolition of prescription charges during that year.

Mr. K. Robinson

The estimated income for 1965–66 in England and Wales apart from taxes and local rates is:

£ million
National Health Service contributions 144
Charges to Patients:
Central Government services 27
Local Authority Services 6
Miscellaneous 4
On the second part of the Question the total number of prescriptions issued in 1965 is not yet known, but for the months of February to November inclusive the income from prescription charges, if these had remained at the same level as before abolition, would have been £21½ million.