asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total financial cost to medical patients for service under the National Health Service, for the year 1953–54; and what he estimates the charges will be for 1954–55.

The total payments by patients in 1953–54 in respect of drugs and appliances prescribed by general practitioners were £740,000. My right hon. Friend does not expect that the 1954–55 figure will be materially different. If the hon. Member has some other item in mind, perhaps he will let me know.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman state the amount paid by old-age pensioners out of this sum?

I could not do that.