§ 107. Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Health the estimated total net saving to the Exchequer, after making allowances for administrative costs and for the extra cost to the National Assistance Board. both direct and administrative, of the charge of 1s. on prescriptions from the time of its introduction to the nearest most convenient date for computation.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe estimated net saving to the Exchequer from the prescription charges paid by patients in England and Wales between the 1st June, 1952, and the 31st December, 1952, after the deduction of refunds made by the National Assistance Board, is about £2¾ million. Administrative costs, though not known in detail, would not materially affect this estimate. In addition, there was a saving to the Exchequer during this period of about £1¼ million because fewer prescriptions were dispensed than would have been expected if charges had not been introduced though it is possible that other factors contributed to this decrease.
188W
§ Mr. H. StraussYes. I cannot say, however, to what extent, if any, the decline can be attributed to this cause.