HC Deb 12 November 1979 vol 973 cc439-40W
Mr. Woolmer

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, from April 1970 when prescription charges increase from 45p to 70p, the six-month and 12-month season tickets for prescriptions will continue; and, if so, whether the cost of such season tickets will increase, on what date and to what level compared with the current charges.

Sir George Young

I refer to the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Lewis) on 8 November.

Mr. Field

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of granting invalidity benefit claimants the right to free prescriptions; and to what level prescription charges would have to be raised to cover this cost.

Mr. Prentice

In England, to exempt all recipients of contributory invalidity benefit from the present 45p prescription charge who are not otherwise exempt would cost in the region of £2 million. To cover this cost the price of a prescription would have to be increased by approximately 1½p.