§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what was the net ingredient cost for preparations used in the treatment of asthma, in total and per health authority, for each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement; [34444]
(2) what was the number of prescriptions for the treatment of asthma, in total and per health authority, for each of the last four years. [34445]
§ Mr. HagueInformation on the number of prescription items and their net ingredient cost dispensed specifically for asthma could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, most prescription items dispensed for the treatment of asthma fall into one of three therapeutic classes—bronchodilators, corticosteroids and cromoglycate and related therapy—and figures for these are given in the following table. It should be noted, however, that some items dispensed in those classes were not for the treatment of asthma.