§ 20. Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the real terms increase in the prescription charge since 1979. [5629]
§ Mr. MaloneThe annual average increase in the prescription charge in real terms from 1979–80 to 1996–97 was 14.8 per cent., based on the charge at 1 April each year. During the same period, prescribed items attracting a prescription charge, excluding items covered by pre-payment certificates, reduced from 36 per cent. to 11 per cent.
In 1996–97, the income from charges is expected to raise about £310 million additional income for the national health service.