HC Deb 04 December 2001 vol 376 cc173-4W
Paul Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prescriptions for Ritalin have been issued in each year since 1992. [16888]

Jacqui Smith

The information requested is in the table.

Number of prescription items and net ingredient cost of methylphenidate hydrochloride dispensed in the community,1992 to 2000
England
Year Prescription items (Thousand) Net ingredient cost (£000)
1992 2.6 16.5
1993 3.5 25.7
1994 6.0 52.3
1995 14.7 253.0
Number of prescription items and net ingredient cost of methylphenidate hydrochloride dispensed in the community,1992 to 2000
England
Year Prescription items (Thousand) Net ingredient cost (£000)
1996 47.9 811.7
1997 92.1 1,636.5
1998 126.6 2,402.8
1999 158.0 3,100.3
2000 186.2 3,757.6

Notes

  1. 1. The data cover all prescriptions dispensed in the community, ie by community pharmacists and appliance contractors, dispensing doctors, and prescriptions submitted by prescribing doctors for items personally administered in England.
  2. 2. The data do not cover drugs dispensed in hospital or private prescriptions.
  3. 3. The net ingredient cost is the basic cost of a drug and does not take account of discounts, dispensing costs, fees or prescription charges income.