§ 48. Mr. GOULDasked the Minister of Health whether, with regard to the re- 695 port which he has received from the Somerset Health Insurance Committee, in which it was stated that certain chemists had been dispensing in a very lax way under the National Health Insurance Act and that in one case a deficiency of 69 per cent. of the drugs as prescribed by the medical practitioner was dispensed to the patient, he will say what action he proposes to take in this matter?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe report which I understand that my hon. Friend has in mind was received yesterday, and any case of failure to comply with the terms of service applicable to insurance chemists will be dealt with in due course in accordance with the Medical Benefit Regulations.
§ Mr. GOULDAs this report has been given considerable publicity in the Press, and has left a very bad impression in the minds of the patients in regard to the quality of the dispensing, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the report, and take action in regard to those who maladminister the Act?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThere is no delay on my part. There is a definite procedure to be followed under the Regulations in regard to my intervention, but I am afraid that point has not been reached.