§ 94. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Health what is the total cost of drugs and medicines supplied under the National Health Service up to the most recent convenient date; what proportion of this total cost was in respect of proprietary medicines; and how much of the cost is due to Purchase Tax.
§ Mr. BevanThe total amount paid to chemists and doctors up to 28th February, 1950, for supplying drugs under the 69W general medical and pharmaceutical services was about £43¼ million. It is estimated that at the rate at which proprietary medicines are now being prescribed they account for rather more than 30 per cent. of the current cost. It is estimated that Purchase Tax accounts for about 1 per cent. of the total cost.