§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of 12 monthly pre-paid prescription season tickets issued in each of the past five years.
§ Mr. John PattenThe following table shows that the number of annual prepayment certificates issued by family practitioner committees in England rose from 342,000 in 1979 to 534,000 in 1980 then fell back over time to 428,000 in 1983. This drop is likely to have been largely offset by the very large increase over the same period in the number of part-year certificates issued, from 42,000 in 1979 to 213,000 in 1983. The number of prescription items dispensed against prepayment certificates continues to increase.
6 monthly 4 monthly 12 monthly 1979 42,000 — 342,000 1980 15,000 58,000 534,000 1981 — 137,000 510,000 1982 — 164,000 469,000 1983 — 213,000 428,000 Notes:
1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 1,000.
2. Four monthly certificates replaced six monthly ones on 1 April 1980.
3. 1982 figures include an estimate for 1 FPC where returns not available.
4. 1983 figures include an estimate for two FPCs where returns not yet available.