§ 39. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Health why the total number of staff employed in pricing prescriptions dispensed under the National Health Service increased from 1,089 to 1,302 during the year 1952; and what is the total additional wage bill incurred as a result.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe main cause is the opening of two additional pricing offices to reduce arrears of pricing. The approximate additional wage cost in the year 1952 was £41,000.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs it not by now fairly clear that the 1s. prescription fee, while it may have reduced the number of prescriptions, means that on each prescription the number of items is very much higher and that means more staff and checking? Does not the situation now show that the 1s. prescription is serving no purpose whatever?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithI am afraid the hon. and gallant Member is rather mixing the points because one of the reasons for opening two additional offices is to clear the arrears inherited when we came into office.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopCan the hon. Lady say what the arrears now stand at, in view of the importance of getting rid of them?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThey are down to six months.