§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is proposing to increase the cost of prescription prepayment certificates when the prescription charges are increased; and if he will make a statement on the validity of those purchased before an increase takes effect.
§ Dr. VaughanThe cost of prepayment certificates will be increased, in line with the prescription charge increase, to £4.50 for a six month certificate and £8 for an annual certificate. As now, they will offer a saving to patients requiring more than ten prescriptions in six months or seventeen prescriptions in twelve months. Prepayment certificates at the current rates of £2 for a six month certificate and £3.50 for an annual certificate will continue to be issued by family practioner committees with starting dates up to 15 July 1979 and will remain valid for the full period shown on them.