HC Deb 15 February 1994 vol 237 cc668-9W
Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to increase current NHS charges and the value of optical vouchers; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Mawhinney

I shall lay before the House regulations providing for increases in charges and spectacle voucher values in the national health service in England and Wales. These changes will take effect on 1 April 1994. The prescription charge will increase by 50p, from £4.25 to £4.75 for each quantity of a drug or appliance dispensed. The overall value of optical vouchers will be increased by an average of 4 per cent.

The new prescription charge is still significantly less than the average total cost of a single prescription item to the NHS. Extensive exemption arrangements and charge remission under the NHS low income scheme ensure that no one need be deterred from getting necessary treatment or medication for financial reasons. The rates for prescription prepayment certificates will rise in line with the increase in prescription charges.

A prescription charge is now paid on around only one item in five dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors. This compares with about two items in five when the Government took office. In 1992–93, the family health service drugs bill was over £2.6 billion.

Income from prescription charges in 1994–95 will raise about £292 million in much-needed revenue for the national health service. This money is sufficient to provide, for example, 71,000 hip replacement operations or 46,000 coronary artery bypass grafts or 221,000 cataract removals.

Charges for fabric supports supplied through the hospital service will increase by 50p. Charges for elastic stockings and tights, and wigs supplied through the hospital service, will also be increased by a similar percentage to the rise in the prescription charge.

The maximum patient charge for a single course of dental treatment begun on or after 1 April 1994 will increase from £250 to £275.

I am pleased to announce that from 1 April 1994, the overall value of optical vouchers will increase by an average of 4 per cent. However, the most commonly used vouchers, constituting over 85 per cent. of the total, will be increased by 4.5 per cent. and, as a result, the majority of beneficiaries will find themselves better off.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will lay regulations to increase charges and spectacle voucher sales in Scotland by the same amounts. Similar arrangements will apply in Northern Ireland. Details of the revised charges and voucher values have been placed in the Library.