HC Deb 24 May 1973 vol 857 cc124-5W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what general causes he attributes the fact that the number of prescriptions dispensed in January 1973 rose by 2,306,030 to the new high level of 24,776,710 above the number dispensed in the month of January 1972; what higher incidence of morbidity took place; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

There are frequently substantial differences in any particular month as between two given years; this is especially true of the winter months.

Statistical information about morbidity in January 1973 is not yet available but it may be significant that the number of claims to sickness benefit rose from 825,000 in the first four weeks of 1972 to 1,017,000 in the same period of 1973.

In the absence of more detailed information and because of the many possible factors involved it is not possible to give any specific reason for this particular rise.