HC Deb 25 April 1966 vol 727 c338
17. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Health if the replacement of the special interim payment to dispensing chemists by a payment on account will result in a saving in the cost of the National Health Service.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Kenneth Robinson)

No, Sir.

Mr. Pavitt

Will the Minister look at the prospect of entirely recasting the system of dispensing medicine under the National Health Service, especially in view of the shortage of pharmacists and the complications involved?

Mr. Robinson

I should first like to see the effect of the change I am introducing, the net effect of which is to speed up the rhythm of payments to chemists. This is, of course, a system to their advantage.