HC Deb 25 January 1983 vol 35 c387W
Mr. McMahon

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the level of each increase in prescription charges since May 1979; and how the percentage rises compare with inflation.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The information is as follows:

Prescription Charge
Level of charge Percentage Increase Inflation as measured by movement in the RPI
(Pence) Per cent. Per cent.
May 1979 *20
16 July 1979 45 125 *189
1 April 1980 70 55.6 13.8
1 December 1980 100 42.9 5.7
1 April 1982 130 30 16
* From 1 April 1971.

A more relevant comparison would be with the increase in costs of the pharmaceutical services concerned.