§ 18. Sir William Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the amount due to chemists in Scotland for prescription service now outstanding.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. McNeil)Allowing for the substantial payments to account that have been made, the aggregate balance in arrears is roughly equal to two months' total payments, or rather more than £500,000 spread over 1,750 establishments. I am discussing with representatives of the chemists how delays in payment can in future be kept as small as possible.
§ Sir W. DarlingThis is a very substantial sum of money spread over a number of comparatively small shopkeepers, and I hope the right hon. Gentleman appreciates how important it is to evolve a system whereby they will be more promptly paid.
Mr. McNeilI agree that I have been worried about these arrears, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman will understand that, in part, they have arisen from not being able to price in some of the detail in which Scottish chemists work and to which they were accustomed. I agree that this is a matter of concern and I am pursuing it.