HC Deb 25 March 1986 vol 94 cc448-9W
35. Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the latest statistics for the percentage of prescriptions which are supplied free of charge.

Mr. Hayhoe

In the period January to August 1985 (the latest period for which figures are available) 212.4 million NHS prescription items were issued of which 74.4 per cent. were supplied free of charge. A further 5.4 per cent. of items were issued without charge to holders of prescription pre-payment certificates.

Mr. Leigh

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received following his statement on prescription charges.

39. Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representation he has received opposing further increases in prescription charges.

Mr. Hayhoe

Since my statement to the House on 10 March about 30 letters concerning the scope and level of prescription charges have been received.

Mr. Speller

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of claims for exemption from prescription charges have been found to be false over the last period for which figures are available.

Mr. Hayhoe

In October 1984 (the latest date for which figures are available) 11.5 million prescription forms had signed declarations that the patient was exempt from National Health Service prescription charges. A sample check of these declarations showed that an estimated 0.9 per cent. were incorrect.