§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has taken any steps to monitor the effect of increased prescription charges on the health of patients by examining to what extent they have cut out necessary medication; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanAlthough there has been a change in the number of prescription items dispensed during 1979 and 1980, it is not possible to say to what extent this is attributable to the increase in prescription charges. I have no reason to believe that anyone is being deprived of the medication they need because of the prescription charge. The wide-ranging exemption arrangements under which just over 68 per cent. of all prescriptions are dispensed free of charge include provision for those on low incomes. The income level at which exemption may be claimed is raised whenever prescription charges are increased.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many prescriptions were dispensed in the National Health Service in the last year for which figures are available and in each of the four preceding years.
§ Dr. VaughanI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Mitchell) on 9 June.—[Vol. 6 c.63.]