HC Deb 06 February 1961 vol 634 cc1-2W
34. Mr. Wade

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many of those who are dependent upon National Assistance and at present pay 1s. for each prescription obtain a refund subsequently from the National Assistence Board; and how many he estimates will apply for refunds when the charge is raised to 2s.

35. Mr. Gourlay

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many applications were made for refund of National Health prescription charges in the years 1959 and 1960; if he will state the amount of money repaid in each of those years; and what increase he anticipates in 1961 as a result of the proposed increase in prescription charges.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter:

The total sums refunded in respect of prescription charges were about £1,030,000 in 1959 and about £1,100,000 in 1960, representing about 20,600,000 and 22,000,000 prescriptions respectively. Figures are not available as to the number of people to whom such payments were made. It is expected that the amount to be refunded will be approximately doubled as the result of the proposed increase in charges.