§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated increase in income in a full financial year (a) in total and (b) derived from registered disabled people from raising prescription charges to £1 from 20p.
§ Sir George YoungThe estimated total additional income in England in a full financial year is about £89 million.
Although there are just over 1 million registered disabled people in England, it is not possible to say with any accuracy what their prescription needs are or how many of them are entitled to exemption from prescription charges on age, low income or medical grounds. Others whose prescription needs are high may make use of the prepayment certificate arrangements.