§ Mr. Gowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals she has either to abolish or to increase the 195W prescription charge of 20p, which was fixed on 1st April 1971; what would be the equivalent charge on 1st February 1976 an real terms; and what is her estimate of the total income for the health service from prescription charges during the current financial year.
§ Dr. OwenOur intention is to phase out all prescription charges as economic circumstances and resources available for the health services permit. In December 1975, the latest date for which information is available, the equivalent charges would have been about 37p. The estimated income for the health service, including hospitals, from prescription charges in 1975–76 is about £24 million (England).