§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many free prescriptions were dispensed in the year 1991–92; what was the figure in 1978–79; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyInformation is not available in the precise form requested. In 1979 an estimated 185.5 million prescribed items—about 60 per cent, of the total number —were dispensed free of charge by community pharmacists and appliance contractors. By 1992 the number had risen to 311.9 million—about 80 per cent, of the total.