HC Deb 23 March 1950 vol 472 cc2136-7
19. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Health what was the total value of orders placed for medical services, drugs, prescriptions and equipment, and not yet paid for at the latest convenient available date.

Mr. Bevan

I regret that information is not available in the form requested. If the hon. Member will let me know more clearly what he has in mind, it may be possible to supply further information.

Sir W. Smithers

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to State control and red tape, many of the biggest chemists are short of liquid funds, because the Government do not pay their bills, and that if a private person did that he would soon be at the Old Bailey?

Mr. Bevan

That is another question entirely. We have no evidence at all of chemists being unable to get the necessary stocks because they cannot afford them.

21. Mr. G. Williams

asked the Minister of Health the approximate sums of money due to doctors and others under the National Health Service

Mr. Bevan

The greater part of the remuneration of general practitioners is paid quarterly so that the amount due to them at any particular time varies between a full quarter's payment and practically nothing. The bills of dentists and opticians are met monthly but at varying dates. Chemists bills are similarly met monthly but only to the extent of 90 per cent., the balance for that and previous months being paid as and when pricing is completed.

Mr. Williams

Will the Minister say why there have been so many complaints from chemists in my own constituency, who have lost sums of money owing to them by the Government and which is causing them great hardship?

Mr. Bevan

We have not received representations from chemists' organisations that bear out that complaint, but I will certainly make further inquiries.

Mr. Prescott

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some chemists have gone into liquidation because they cannot continue to finance the National Health scheme? Will he give his attention to that matter?

Mr. Bevan

If the hon. Gentleman will give the names of the chemists concerned I will make inquiries.