§ 13. Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average total cost of a prescribed item now; and what was the average cost in 1979.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe estimated average total cost of a prescribed item to the national health service in England for 1993–94 is £7.95. In 1979 it was £2.42.
§ 26. Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the percentage rise in the cost of a prescription since 1979.
§ Dr. MawhinneyOn 1 April 1993, 757 per cent. in real terms. The charge remains substantially less than the average total cost of a prescribed item to the national health service. Only one in five prescribed items dispensed by community pharmacists and appliances contractors now attracts a charge, compared with two in five in 1979.