HC Deb 20 February 1961 vol 635 cc10-1W
76. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Health which medical associations he consulted before raising the prescription charge by Is. per item; and what advice he received.

Mr. Powell

None.

77. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Health what extra amount he expects to receive from Wales as a result of the extra 1s. per item prescription charge.

Mr. Powell

About £725,000 in a full year.

78. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Minister of Health what is his estimate of the prescription charge which will be paid by old-age pensioners for prescriptions in any one week; and what percentage of their pension is thus absorbed by prescription charges.

Mr. Powell

No estimate is possible as I have no means of ascertaining how many prescriptions are dispensed weekly for old-age pensioners.