HC Deb 08 December 1980 vol 995 c263W
Mr. Bob Dunn

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report revised figures for the contribution in the form of prescription charges as against the actual cost of drugs for 1980–81 and for the five preceding years; and if he will express this information in percentage terms.

Sir George Young

The figures, relating to the family practitioner service in England, are as follows:

Year *Cost of drugs Income from charges Income from charges as a percentage of total costs
£ million £ million
1975–76 412.7 23.8 5.8
1976–77 502.0 23.5 4.7
1977–78 620.8 23.7 3.8
1978–79 728.7 24.6 3.4
1979–80 824.7 42.7 5.2
1980–81† 934.0 79.0 8.5

* Inclusive of fees and allowances.

†Estimated.