HC Deb 07 March 1966 vol 725 c416W
Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Health how many prescriptions were issued under the National Health Service during the month of December 1965, and their cost; and what percentage increase the figures show over the comparable figures for 1964.

Mr. K. Robinson

The figures for prescriptions dispensed by chemists in England and Wales during the month of December in each of the years 1964 and 1965, and the percentage increases, are:

1964 million 1965 million Percentage increase
Numbers of prescriptions 17,634 21,475 21.8
Cost of prescriptions £9,239 £11,313 22.4

There is evidence that during December 1965 the level of sickness was significantly higher than during December 1964.