HC Deb 08 November 1979 vol 973 c313W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he can give an assurance that the Government cuts in expenditure and the retraction in the Health Service and increased charges will not affect the cheap season tickets as now issued to the chronically sick and those in need of constant medication.

Sir George Young

The cost of a prepayment certificate will rise on 1 April 1980, in line with the increase in the prescription charge, to £12 for one year. The present six-month certificate will be replaced by a four-month certificate at the same price of £4.50; this should make it easier for those who have to budget carefully to find the price. The certificates—season tickets—will still offer good value for anyone needing more than 17 items on prescription in a year, or more than six in four months.