Note: During the period up to 31st January 1965 prescription charges applied to all prescriptions. Some charges were refunded on grounds of low income, but the cost of the relevant prescriptions cannot be readily estimated. From 1st February 1965 prescription charges were abolished. From 10th June 1968 prescription charges were reintroduced with a wide range of exemptions including age grounds—children under 15 and persons aged 65 or over—certain chronic conditions, low income, etc. From 8th April 1974 the age exemptions were extended to children aged 15 and to women between the ages of 60 and 65.

Notes:

1. Prior to 1971–72 a pint of milk a day could be obtained by beneficiaries at a subsidised price or free in certain circumstances, but separate figures for free issues are not readily available.

2. The figure for 1971–72 has had to be estimated because there was a degree of overlap with the previous scheme.

Note: These figures include the cost of sight tests, which are free to all persons, as well as the cost of glasses which throughout the period were supplied free or at a reduced charge to children under 16 years of age, older children attending school full-time, and persons on grounds of low income. In respect of dental treatment—including dentures—the figures include, as well as these categories, expectant mothers and mothers who have had a child within the previous 12 months, and, except for dentures, persons over 16 but under 21 years of age who have left school. Clinical examination arrest of bleeding and denture repairs are free to all persons, but the relevant costs in respect of those persons who are not exempt from charges generally cannot be readily estimated.

^* Estimated cost adjusted by movement in RP1

† At factor cost.