§ Mr. Ryanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the change in the number of prescriptions issued since the reintroduction of charges; and if he will give details for each six months since the reintroduction of charges.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyPrescription charges were reintroduced on 10th June, 1968. The number of prescriptions dispensed by chemists in England and Wales was 124 million in the half year 1st July to 31st December, 1968, and 133 million in the half year 1st January to 30th June, 1969. These figures represent decreases of 8.0 per cent. and 7.2 per cent. respectively compared with the corresponding periods twelve month earlier.