§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the real terms increase in the price of NHS prescriptions since 1979 expressed as a cash figure and as a percentage. [21125]
§ Mr. RichardsThe prescription charge per item has increased by 774 per cent. in real terms since 1979. Prescription charges in Wales in 1995–96 are expected to raise £18.3 million—money which would otherwise have to be found from within NHS resources.