§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many items are prescribed in multi-pack or course treatments and charged at the rate of two or more prescription items.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThis information is not available. A prescription charge is payable in respect of each quantity of536W a drug or appliance dispensed, unless the patient is entitled to charge exemption or remission. The fact that two or more separate preparations may be dispensed together does not alter the patient's liability for prescription charges. Examples of items for which more than one charge is payable are contained in part XVI of "Drug Tariff", copies of which are available in the Library.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information she has on the number or percentage of prescriptions that are undispensed.
§ Dr. MawhinneyNone.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of prescriptions cost the NHS less than(a) £5.00, (b) £5.25 and (c) £5.50.
§ Dr. MawhinneyBased on the net ingredient cost of prescriptions dispensed in 1992 the percentages costing less than £5, £5.25 and £5.50 were 61.6 per cent., 64.1 per cent. and 65.6 per cent. respectively.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average expenditure on prescription charges by a person who is not exempt from such charges in the last year.
§ Dr. MawhinneyAbout £10 in 1992–93.