Prescriptions

HC Deb 23 November 1987 vol 123 cc88-9W

Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost to the Exchequer of prescriptions by general medical practitioners in cash and constant 1986–87 prices for each year since 1979.

Mr. Newton

The information requested in respect of the family practitioner services in England is set out in the table:

Family Practitioner Services (England)—Net cost of prescriptions1
	Cash £ million	2 At 1986–87 prices £ million
1979–80	751	1,251
1980–81	903	1,268
1981–82	1,038	1,327

	Cash £ million	2 At 1986–87 prices £ million
1982–83	1,187	1,416
1983–84	1,321	1,506
1984–85	1,430	1,562
1985–86	1,529	1,575
1986–87	1,639	1,639
1 Including fees and allowances paid for dispensing, and after deduction of receipts from patients' charges.
2 Adjusted in line with the GDP deflator at market prices.