Respiratory Diseases (Hansard, 13 July 1998)

§ Mr. Wallace
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each month in(a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996 admissions to hospitals for (i) asthma, (ii) bronchitis, (iii) pneumonia, (iv) influenza, (v) hypertensive heart disease, (vi) ischaemic heart disease and (vii) myocardial infarction for the age bands (1) 0 to 14, (2) 14 to 64 and (3) 65 years and over. [49720]

§ Mr. Galbraith
As the information requested is rather lengthy I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the House Library.

§ Mr. Wallace
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prescriptions were issued for treatment of respiratory diseases, excluding influenza, in the most recent year for which information is available; and what was the cost to the National Health Service in Scotland in the same period of drugs to treat (i) asthma, (ii) pneumonia and (iii) bronchitis. [49718]

§ Mr. Galbraith
It is not possible to identify separately drugs used in the treatment of influenza, pneumonia and bronchitis because these drugs are also used in the treatment of conditions other than respiratory disease and the NHS prescription form does not indicate the medical diagnosis for which a drug has been prescribed.
Table 1 shows the number of prescriptions for drugs contained in British National Formulary Chapter 3: Respiratory system, which were dispensed by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors in 1997–98. The table does not show prescriptions dispensed in respect of Diamorphine Hydrochloride, Methadone Hydrochloride and Morphine Hydrochloride, which are indicated for cough in terminal disease.
British National Formulary Sections 3.1 (Bronchodilators), 3.2 (Corticosteroids) and 3.3 (Cromoglycate and related therapy) contain drugs for use in the treatment of asthma. Table 2 shows the number and cost of prescription items dispensed in respect of these drugs, some of which may also be used in the treatment of other conditions. The costs shown are based on the value of ingredients before the addition of dispensing fees or deduction of any discount or patient charges.
69W

Table 1: Respiratory disease—number of prescription items dispensed; British National Formulary Chapter 3

Year Prescription items dispensed

1997–98 5,163,048

Table 2: Asthma—prescription items dispensed and cost; British National Formulary Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3

Year Prescription items dispensed Ingredient cost (£)

1997–98 4,010,219 54,800,656

Table 1: Respiratory disease—number of prescription items dispensed; British National Formulary Chapter 3
Year	Prescription items dispensed
1997–98	5,163,048

Table 2: Asthma—prescription items dispensed and cost; British National Formulary Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Year	Prescription items dispensed	Ingredient cost (£)
1997–98	4,010,219	54,800,656