HC Deb 10 July 1989 vol 156 c373W
Sir Neil Macfarlane

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of prescriptions dispensed and the total net ingredient cost for England and Wales, for the years 1977 to 1988.

Mr. Mellor

The number of prescriptions dispensed in England during the period together with the net ingredient cost before discounts and excluding dispensing fees are:

Prescriptions millions Net ingredient cost£ million
1977 311.1 456.3
1978 323.6 544.7
1979 321.3 623.4
1980 320.4 754.6
1981 317.3 880.3
1982 329.5 1,031.8
1983 333.9 1,157.6
1984 340.6 1,252.1
1985 339.9 1,329.0
1986 344.4 1,453.1
1987 358.5 1,636.1
1988 371.0 1,852.2

The information relating to Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.