HC Deb 03 May 1955 vol 540 cc111-2W
Sir G. Lloyd

asked the Minister of Health the cost to the Exchequer for dentures, spectacles and prescriptions during the period from July, 1948, until October, 1951; and what was the cost for the same articles between October, 1951, and the nearest convenient date.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Information in exactly the form requested is not avail-

Period General Dental Services Supplementary Ophthalmic Services Pharmaceutical Services
£m. £m. £m.
England and Wales
5th July, 1948 to 31st October, 1951 121.291 58.528 107.638
1st November, 1951 to 31st March, 1955 78.024 22.828 144.260
Scotland
5th July, 1948 to 31st October, 1951 15.943 6.565 12.603
1st November, 1951 to 31st March, 1955 8.970 2.142 17.757

NOTES:
1. Charges to patients for dentures and spectacles were introduced on 21st May, 1951, and for dental treatment and prescriptions from 1st June, 1952.
2. The amounts included up to 31st March, 1954, are derived from the statutory accounts, and those for the year 1st April, 1954, to 31st March, 1955, from the Parliamentary Estimate.
3. Separate figures for similar services provided by hospitals are not available.

for new scales of pay, as from 1st April, as follows:

able, but the following table shows the cost to the Exchequer of the general dental services, the supplementary ophthalmic services, and the pharmaceutical services which form part of the National Health Service during the periods mentioned. I have included figures for Scotland by arrangement with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.