§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many annual prescription pre-payment certificates were purchased in Scotland in each year since 1989; how many of these were refunded during the first month of validity during each year(a) in total and (b) as a percentage of the total; and if he will make a statement. [7763]
§ Mr. Galbraith[holding answer 10 July 1997]: The information requested is available for the years 1994–95 to 1996–97 only and is set out in the table below. This information is not held centrally as responsibility for the sale of prepayment certificates and any refunds claimed lies with health boards.
All aspects of Government expenditure are being scrutinised as part of the comprehensive review of Government spending. Prescription charges will be examined as part of the review process.
Year Number of a annual prescription prepayment certificates purchased Number of annual prescription prepayment certificates refunded Per cent. 1994–95 45,525 209 0.46 1995–96 45,602 233 0.51 1996–97 33,928 154 0.45