§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average number of items prescribed to individuals aged 65 years and over in each year since 1985. [12794]
§ Mr. MilburnThe information requested is available in the statistical bulletins,Statistics of prescriptions dispensed in the Family Health Service Authorities: England 1985 to 1995, (statistical bulletin in 1996/17 July 1996) and Statistics of prescriptions dispensed in the community: England 1986 to 1996, (statistical bulletin 1997/15 July 1997), both of which are available in the Library. Before 20 October 1995, the term "elderly people" meant women aged 60 years or over and men aged 65 and over. Since then, however, men aged 60 and over are also included in this group, but the population figures for 1995 are still for men aged 65 years and over and women aged 60 and over. The 1985 to 1990 prescription data are based on fees, while 1991–1995 prescription data are based on items.