§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost of prescription charges for each year since 1979 in cash terms, real terms and as an index with 1979 as the base.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe requested information is in the table. Only one in six prescription items dispensed in the NHS now attracts a charge, compared with one in three in 1979. Last year over 100 million more exempt items were dispensed than in 1979.
favour of and (b) against issuing needles for insulin-injecting pens on prescription to diabetics during the current session; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe have received a number of representations in favour of issuing needles for insulin-injecting pens on prescription during the current session. We aim to make both pens and needles available on prescription as soon as resources allow.