HC Deb 26 November 1956 vol 561 cc18-9W
98 . Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Health if he will exclude persons on sick benefit or sick injury benefit from paying charges on prescriptions.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

No. But I would refer the hon. Member to the general position explained by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Jarrow (Mr. Fernyhough) on 21st November.

100. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Health what reply he has sent to the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society to its letter on the adverse effects of the new charge of 1s. for each item in prescriptions in the health services, and urging that they should not be put into operation until further discussions have taken place.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

My right hon. Friend has said that discussions have already taken place and are continuing on the practical application of the scheme but that he is not able to defer its introduction beyond 1st December.

Dr. Barnett Stross

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that when nasal drops are prescribed a glass dropper has also to be used; and whether, under his regulations, the patient must pay a separate and extra shilling for this article.

Mr. Turton

A single charge will be made to cover both dropper and drops, when prescribed on the same form.