§ Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what revenue he received in each of the last four years from prescription charges.
§ Mr. RossThe revenue received from prescription charges in the financial years 1961–62, 1962–63, 1963–64 and 1964–65, representing, broadly, prescriptions dispensed in the years ending 31st January, 133W amounted to£2..07 million,£2.17 million,£2.28 million and£2.30 million, respectively; charges were abolished on 1st February, 1965.
§ Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the proportion of the community he estimates will be exempted from prescription charges; and what proportion of the total number of prescription items he expects will be issued to this section of the community this year.
§ Mr. RossExemption of the categories referred to in the statement by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 16th January would affect more than 40 per cent. of the population. I should expect about half of all prescriptions to be issued to patients in these categories.