§ 16. Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the last full payment was made to chemists in Ayrshire in respect of completed National Health Service prescriptions.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Woodburn)Payment as ascertained by complete pricing of all prescriptions has been made for April, 1949. For other months of this year, advances have been made to each chemist at a rate per form of 90 per cent. of the average rate for his April prescriptions. Some of these advances may in fact represent full payment.
§ Sir T. MooreWould the right hon. Gentleman be surprised to hear that I have information in my possession which shows that the last full payment to the chemists was made in September of last year, and unless a payment has been made since my Question has been put down, I reckon that my information is correct? Does he not think that that is very unfair?
§ Mr. WoodburnI think the chances are that it is not correct, but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will transfer his information to my possession I will have it looked into.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWhy has a full payment not been made as in the ordinary course of business? Are the Government broke?
§ Mr. WoodburnThe hon. and gallant Gentleman has on occasions shown a concern for public money, and the Government must do the same and check these things accurately before making full payment.