§ Mr. Barnesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claimants have claimed free prescriptions since April. 1971.
§ Mr. AlisonIt is estimated that about 20 million people in England are exempt from payment of prescription charges. Information is not available about the number who needed prescriptions and claimed exemption, but during the period 1st April. 1971, to 31st March, 1972, well over half of all National Health Service prescriptions were dispensed without charge.