§ Dr. Summerskillasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his analysis of the reasons why fewer prescriptions have been dispensed since prescription charges have been raised.
§ Sir George YoungFrom the table below, which sets out the monthly figures for dispensed prescriptions, it can be seen that there was a drop in numbers over414W the whole year. It is not feasible to analyse the many possible reasons for this downward trend, but, of course, it can be said that a contributory factor to a short-term drop in numbers might be attributed to an increase in the prescription charge.
England Thousands Month/Year Total number of prescriptions dispensed 1978— January 26,296 February 25,853 March 26,897 April 24,724 May 26,381 June 26,025 July 24,544 August 23,851 September 24,377 October 26,234 November 26,031 December 25,884 1979— January 26,985 February 24,941 March 27,968 April 24,566 May 25,776 June 25,799 July* 25,251 August 23,548 September 23,004 October 26,547 November 26,000† December 24,300† * Prescription charges increased from 20p to 45p on 16 July 1979. † Advance estimates.