§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many items of prescription are dispensed each day(a) to patients exempt from charges and (b) to patients paying for prescriptions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 18 March 1993]: In 1991–92, there were on average 127,000 prescriptions dispensed each day in Scotland of which about 103,500 were exempt from charges; 18,000 attracted prescription charges and some 5,500 were dispensed to patients who had purchased prescription prepayment certificates.
Approximately 80 per cent. of all prescriptions dispensed in Scotland are free of charge under the national health service; a further 5 per cent. go to holders of prescription prepayment certificates.