HC Deb 22 October 1971 vol 823 c213W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many prescriptions were dispensed without charge in the area of the Middlesex Executive Committee; and if he will give the percentage of exemption in the following categories: under 15 years of age, over 65 years of age, free Executive Council exemption certificate, pre-paid exemption certificate, exemption certificate issued by his Department and those who claimed exemption without giving a reason.

Sir K. Joseph

The number of prescriptions dispensed without charge by chemists in the Middlesex Executive Council area during the 12 months July, 1970 to June, 1971, was 6.1 million. Sample information indicates that the grounds of patients' claims to exemption on these prescriptions were stated as follows:

Percentage
Under 15 years of age 30
65 years of age or over 40
Executive Council certificate 7
Prepayment certificate 3
Department of Health and Social Security exemption certificate 10
Category not stated 10