§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the percentage change in the average cost of drugs purchased by the NHS in each year since 1997. [134396]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe average annual percentage increase in the average net ingredient cost per prescription item for drugs was 4.9 per cent. from 1997 to 1998, 9.0 per cent. from 1998 to 1999, 1.3 per cent. from 1999 to 2000, 3.0 per cent. from 2000 to 2001 and 6.5 per cent. from 2001 to 2002. The average annual increase between 1997 and 2002 was 4.9 per cent. (2.5 per cent. at 1997 prices). Data relate to prescription items dispensed in the community in England.