§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prescriptions were dispensed in each year since 1979; and how many were free of charge. [38010]
§ Mr. MaloneThe available information is in the table.
Year Exempt Free contraceptives Total dispensed 1979 181.3 4.2 304.6 1980 192.6 4.6 303.3 1981 200.0 5.2 300.0 1982 210.4 6.0 311.3 1983 220.7 6.2 315.3 1984 226.5 6.9 320.5 1985 232.6 5.9 318.7 1986 241.3 5.3 322.5 1987 253.9 5.1 335.3 1988 263.5 5.3 346.5 1989 268.1 5.6 351.9 1990 276.9 5.9 360.5 1991 290.5 5.9 370.7 1992 307.0 6.1 386.8 1993 326.6 6.2 405.1 1994 336.1 6.3 414.1 1. The analysis is based on a 1 in 20 sample of all prescriptions submitted to the Prescription Pricing Authority by community pharmacists and appliances contractors. Dispensing doctor and personal administration prescriptions are not analysed into exempt, non-exempt or other categories.
214W2. 1979 to 1990 data is based on fees and covers prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and applicance contractors only.
3 1991 to 1994 data (new PCA) are based on items and have the same coverage as in note 1 above.