§ Mr. Kevin HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of dispensed drugs are liable to full prescription charges; what proportion are free; and what proportion of the population are liable to pay prescription charges.
§ Dr. MawhinneyIn 1992, a prescription charge was paid on around 15 per cent. of items dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors, a further 5 per cent. were covered by prescription prepayment certificates and about 80 per cent. were dispensed free. An estimated 50 per cent. of the population are liable to pay prescription charges.
§ Mr. BoyceTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to monitor the impact of increased prescription charges.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe information we regularly collect does not indicate that the level of prescription charge influences patient access to necessary medication. The number of prescribed items dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors rose from 305 million in 1979 to 387 million in 1992, and is expected to exceed 403 million in 1993–94.