HC Deb 14 July 1982 vol 27 c406W
Mr. Craigen

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many valid certificates of exemption on income grounds from prescription charges are presently in circulation or have been issued in each of the past three years.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

The number of certificates of exemption from prescription charges issued on grounds of low income in Great Britain for the years 1979, 1980 and 1981 are as follows. The number issued in Scotland is given in brackets. A certificate covers the holder and his dependants and can be valid for up to 12 months.

Great Britain (Scotland)
1979 18,791 (1,500)
1980 43,441 (3,309)
1981 131,600 (9,148)