Prescription Charges (Hansard, 25 January 1983)

HC Deb 25 January 1983 vol 35 c387W 387W

§ 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.

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.