§ 51. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much of the increase of expenditure of £6,900,000 in England for the year 1969–70 for pharmaceutical services is due to prescription charges.
§ 55. Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much of the increase of expenditure of £6,900,000 in England for the year 1969–70 for pharmaceutical services is due to prescription charges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CrossmanAs a result of the reintroduction of prescription charges, the increase in estimated gross expenditure in 1969–70 as compared with the estimated out-turn for the previous year is 9W considerably less than could otherwise have been expected.
§ 56. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the approximate net income to the Exchequer arising from prescription charges in 1968–69 after allowing for the administrative costs of collecting them and checking claims for exemption; and what is the estimated income in 1969–70 on the basis that these costs remain the same.
§ Mr. CrossmanFor Great Britain, about £10½ million and £16½ million respectively. The figures requested by my hon. Friend relate to net income only. In addition, prescription charges were followed by a moderation of demand for the service and this produces a further saving in public expenditure.
§ 63. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total amount of charges recovered since the introduction of prescription charges; how many officers and clerical staff are employed on recoveries; and what is the total staff requirement for the checking of prescription forms and the determination of exemptions.
§ Mr. CrossmanUp to 31 st March, 1969, about £1,200 was recovered by Executive Councils in England and Wales. This recovery would involve a small proportion, not separately identifiable, of the estimated whole-time equivalent of about 150 staff engaged in checking claims on prescription forms to entitlement to exemption.