§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what was the net ingredient cost for preparations used in the treatment of asthma, in total and per family health services authority, for each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement; [33983]
(2) what was the total number of prescriptions for the treatment of asthma, in total and per family health services authority, for the last four years. [33984]
§ Mr. MaloneInformation on the number of prescriptions and net ingredient cost in England for preparations in British national formulary sections 3.1 (bronchodilators), 3.2 (corticosteroids) and 3.3 (cromoglycate and related therapy) for the years 1992 to 1995 is shown in the table. The corresponding information for individual family health services 85W authorities for the years 1994 and 1995 will be placed in the Library. Information for earlier years is not available centrally.
Prescription items and net ingredient cost for preparations used in the treatment of asthma, England 1992–1995 Prescription items (thousands) Net ingredient cost (£ million) 1992 29,264 303.3 1993 31,247 346.5 1994 32,667 378.9 1995 33,936 410.9 1. The data cover all national health service prescriptions dispensed in England by community pharmacists, appliance contractors and dispensing doctors, and prescriptions submitted by prescribing doctors in England for items personally administered, in the BNF sections 3.1 (bronchodilators), 3.2 (corticosteroids), and BNF 3.3 (cromoglycate and relate therapy). Some of the drugs can be used for other conditions.
2. Excludes peak flow meters.
3. The net ingredient cost refers to the cost of the drug before discounts and does not include any dispensing costs or fees.