asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards that have been withdrawn by the Western Health Board in the last twelve months.

During the year 1976 a total of 8,534 medical cards were cancelled in the Western Health Board's area. During the same period 11,244 new cards were issued, giving a net increase of 2,710.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary accept that in the last figure he quoted he was giving the figure for young people of more than 16 years who would qualify for medical cards? In relation to the first figure he gave, will he accept that it seems rather strange in view of the fact that the figures given as guidelines have been increased that the health boards are taking up so many medical cards?

I am not sure how those figures were arrived at but I am sure the Deputy will agree that the increase of 2,710 medical cards in the area indicates that the health board officers are quite liberal in their interpretation.

The Parliamentary Secretary must be honest with the House. Will he accept that the last figure he gave relates to the issuing of cards to young people of more than 16 years? Further, will he accept that many people, even those on social welfare, now find themselves without medical cards? Will he tell the House what guidelines are being used?

I am afraid that new matter is being introduced into the question.

The figures are those as at 31st December, 1975 and 31st December, 1976. They are the latest figures available to me and I have given them to the Deputy.

Am I correct in stating that the figure given as a guideline has been increased from £28.25 to £34 for a man and wife? I understand that no allowance is now being made in respect of the stamp as was the case before.

The scope of the question is being widened considerably by Deputies.

I asked a supplementary question that is relevant to the issuing of medical cards. Even though the guideline has been increased to £34, there is no allowance given in respect of the stamp. Will the Parliamentary Secretary state if that is the position?

I was asked a question regarding the number of medical cards withdrawn and I have given the information twice.