§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked 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. JohnThe 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.