§ 58. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that panel chemists in several districts, particularly in Manchester, Salford, and Scotland, are dissatisfied with their position and prospects of full payment of their accounts under the National Insurance Act; and, if so, what the Government proposes to do to avoid the danger of insufficiency or inferiority of medicines supplied to the public?
Mr. BENNMy right hon. Friend is not aware of any such general dissatisfaction in Scotland. The chemists on the panel in Manchester and Salford expressed dissatisfaction at the arrangements in force in those areas during 1913, but it is understood that they have renewed their agreements for the current year under special arrangements for their protection against extravagant prescribing. In reply to the second part of the question, the regulations and the agreements which doctors and chemists have entered into provide ample safeguards both as regards the quality and the sufficiency of the supply of medicines.
§ Sir W. BYLESIs the hon. Member aware that in Salford the chemists were underpaid last year?
Mr. BENNI understand the chemists of Salford have entered into an arrangement with the doctors which is satisfactory to both parties.
§ Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONIs the hon. Member aware that there is a deficiency of £16,000 in the Manchester grant fund?
§ Sir JOHN JARDINEHas the hon. Member had any complaints from the chemists in the borough of Roxburgh?