§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many prescriptions have been (a) prescribed and (b) processed in the most recent convenient period;
(2) if he will investigate the relation between the cost of prescriptions and the take-up of these prescriptions.
§ Mr. John PattenA total of 315 million items were dispensed by retail pharmacists under the NHS against GP prescriptions in England in 1983. Information on the number prescribed but not dispensed is not available. Individuals may choose not to obtain a prescribed item for a variety of reasons and the study suggested would serve no useful purpose. The arrangements for prescription charge exemption ensure that no one need be deprived of necessary medication on financial grounds.