§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much has been collected in prescription charges since their re-introduction; how this figure compares with the estimates made at the time; and whether, in view of the recently improved economic situation, he will now abolish such charges.
§ Mr. RossPrescription charges collected over the 16 months from 10th June, 129W 1968, to 31st October, 1969, amounted to some £1,952,000. It was estimated at the time of their re-introduction that charges from patients would yield about £1,500,000 in a full year.
The answer to the last part of the question is "No".