HC Deb 12 February 1971 vol 811 cc291-2W
Mr. Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the cost of providing anti-influenza vaccine free of charge for the whole community.

Mr. Alison

At current prices, the cost of the vaccine in England would be about £25 million a year. This makes no allowance for fees to general practitioners.

Mr. Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the cost of providing anti-influenza vaccine free of charge for all retirement pensioners.

Mr. Allison

On the assumption that the hon. Member has in mind the total population of men over 65 and women over 60—which includes many who are not retirement pensioners—the cost of vaccine at current prices would be about £4½ million a year. This makes no allowance for fees to general practitioners.