The Government was accused by Labour of slipping out an increase of 25p in prescription charges under the cover of public sector pay rises.
Stephen Dorrell, the Health Secretary, defended the rise which will take the prescription charge from April to pounds 5.50 per item: "It raises extra money for the NHS at a time when there is considerable pressure on resources."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments