§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report the number of prescriptions issued during the last three years where the item or items dispensed cost less than the prescription charge.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThis information is not available for Scotland. In relation to England and Wales I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Minister for Health on 8 December.—[Vol. 14, c. 364.]
§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report (a) the number of prescriptions dispensed in each of the last three years and (b) the number of these prescriptions which were dispensed free of charge.
§ Mr. Allan StewartPrescriptions dispensed in Scotland by chemist contractors and appliance suppliers numbered, 34.63 million in 1978, 34.41 million in 1979 and 34.35 million in 1980. Of these prescriptions, 21.37 million, 21.80 million and 23.60 million, respectively, were exempt from charges.