HC Deb 20 July 1970 vol 804 cc34-5W
Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated current annual cost of checking prescription charges; what total sums are being recovered from patients not entitled to exemption; and how many are employed in this work listing grades and total salaries paid.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

It is estimated that the full-time equivalent of five officers and 11 clerical staff are employed in executive council offices on checking entitlement to exemption from charges at an annual cost of around £15,000. Charges recovered from patients who incorrectly obtained exemption amounted to £341 for the year ended 31st March, 1970.

Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the chronic sick now lake out season tickets for prescription charges; and what is the total revenue received as a result.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

6,779 prepayment certificates were issued by Scottish executive councils in the year to 31st March, 1970; the revenue thus collected amounted to £13,484.