§ 38. Mr. Redmayneasked the Minister of Health the average delay in final settlement of chemists' accounts as at 30th June, 1949, 31st December, 1949, 30th June, 1950, 31st December, 1950, and at today's date.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopFour, six, seven and a half, eight and a half and nine months, respectively.
§ Mr. RedmayneIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that these figures are correct, except for the latest figure which, according to my information, is 11 months? Is that not far too long?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWe regard nine months as far too long, and we are doing what we can to reduce it.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied with this increasing trend? Cannot he reverse it?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWe are far from satisfied and are taking every step open to us, particularly by trying to open more premises in which the Joint Pricing Committee can work. We are quite sure that the position will improve.
§ Mr. JenningsDoes the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that three months' credit for a Government Department is quite long enough?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopPerhaps the hon. Member does not realise that the total payments are as up to date as they were before the war. Very large sums are paid on account.
§ 33. Mr. Redmayneasked the Minister of Health what percentage of the full amount owing each month is paid to chemists under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopChemists are paid monthly on account 90 per cent. of the estimated value of the prescriptions dispensed by them in the previous month.
§ Mr. RedmayneDoes the Parliamentary Secretary realise that even if 90 per cent. is correct he has the use of some £1 million of chemists' money a year without interest?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWe make supplementary payments in addition to the 90 per cent. to give relief to difficulties which may arise where cases are brought to our notice. We do not think that the chemists are handicapped.