HC Deb 16 April 1991 vol 189 c149W
Mr. Brandon-Bravo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prescription items were dispensed free in the last year.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

In 1990 276.9 million items were dispensed free in the national health service.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost of a prescription in 1979 in current prices; and what is it now.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

In 1989–90, the latest year for which information is available, the average cost of a prescription in the family health service in England was £6.36. In 1979–80 the cost at 1989–90 prices was £4.92.