HC Deb 26 July 1976 vol 916 c14W
Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost of drugs prescribed by the Prison Medical Service to prisoners in each of the last five years.

Mr. John

The cost of drugs, medicines and dressing supplied for use by the Prison Medical Service in England and Wales during the last five financial years were as follows:

£
1971–72 131,327
1972–73 141,393
1973–74 163,681
1974–75 202,450
1975–76 (estimated) 259,000

It is not possible to distinguish between drugs and other supplies, or to calculate the value of drugs, etc. actually issued during any given period.