§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prescriptions were issued in each year since 1997; and how many of them were dispensed. [168582]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonInformation is available on prescriptions that are dispensed in the community in England. However there is no information available centrally on prescriptions that are issued but not dispensed.
The table shows the number of prescription items dispensed in the community from 1997. The information does not include prescriptions dispensed in hospitals or private prescriptions.
Further information on prescriptions dispensed in the community is available on the Department's website at http://www.publications.doh.gov.uk/prescriptionstatistics/index.htm.
Number of prescription items dispensed in the community in England
Number (million) 1997 500.2 1998 513.2 1999 529.8 2000 551.8 2001 587.0 2002 617.0 2003 649.7