§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many free prescriptions were dispensed in the year 1991–92; what was the figure in 1978–79; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[pursuant to his reply, 15 February 1993, c. 162]: I have today laid before the House regulations providing for increases in charges in the national health service in England and Wales, which will take effect on 1 April 1993. The prescription charge will increase by £0.50p, from £3.75 to £4.25 for each quantity of a drug or appliance dispensed.
The new prescription charge, which is still significantly less than the average total cost of a single prescription item to the NHS, will only cost the average charge payer an extra £3 a year. A charge of £4.25 per item will raise about £278 million a year for the NHS. In 1991–92 the cost of drugs for family health services was over £2.3 billion.
96WThe existing wide-ranging exemption and remission provisions for people who cannot afford prescription charges are unchanged. The rates of prescription pre-payment certificates will rise in line with the increase in prescription charges. These certificates provide extremely good value for money for people who need frequent or extensive medication but are not entitled to free prescriptions. They offer real savings to anyone who requires 15 or more items a year on prescription, or more than five in a four-month period.
Some 5 per cent. of all items dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors now go to people with prepayment certificates. Prescription charges are paid on a further 15 per cent. When the Government took office in 1979, this figure was 36 per cent. Indeed, 80 per cent. of prescribed items are now dispensed free—more than at any time since prescription charges were re-introduced in 1968.
Charges for elastic stockings and tights, fabric supports and wigs supplied through the hospital service will also be increased from 1 April 1993 by a similar percentage to the rise in the prescription charge.
The patient contribution to the cost of a course of dental treatment begun on or after 1 April 1993 will be increased from 75 to 80 per cent. The maximum charge for a single course of treatment begun on or after 1 April 1993 will also increase from £225 to £250.
I am pleased to announce a 2.75 per cent. average increase in the overall value of optical vouchers from 1 April 1993. The majority of voucher holders will find themselves better off as a result.
Concurrently with the regulations for England and Wales, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will lay regulations to increase charges and spectacle voucher values in Scotland by the same amounts. Similar arrangements will apply in Northern Ireland.
Details of all the revised charges and increased optical voucher values have been placed in the Library.