The number of prescriptions rose by 5%

The number of prescriptions rose by 5% to 69.5 million and the average cost was �11.12, also an increase of 5%.

After income from prescription charges and dispensing fees to pharmacists were taken into account, the overall cost to the health service was �841m.

That figure equates to �157 for every person registered with a GP.

Generic, or unbranded, drugs which doctors are encouraged to prescribe to keep costs down accounted for 77% of prescriptions.

Aspirin was the most commonly prescribed drug, usually for cardiovascular problems.

The most expensive ones were those used for controlling cholesterol and healing ulcers.

Officials said the figures, which have been published in an NHS statistical update, were consistent with the trend in recent years of rising costs and more prescriptions.